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WO2025179231A1 - Systèmes et procédés pour la commande et la régulation d'une température d'un article de mobilier - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés pour la commande et la régulation d'une température d'un article de mobilier

Info

Publication number
WO2025179231A1
WO2025179231A1 PCT/US2025/016924 US2025016924W WO2025179231A1 WO 2025179231 A1 WO2025179231 A1 WO 2025179231A1 US 2025016924 W US2025016924 W US 2025016924W WO 2025179231 A1 WO2025179231 A1 WO 2025179231A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
temperature
channel
article
furniture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/016924
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Diego SOLANO
Alexander Igorevich Lednev
Jaewon Samuel Kang
David HEINZ
Massimo ANDREASI BASSI
David Da He
Matteo Franceschetti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eight Sleep Inc
Original Assignee
Eight Sleep Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eight Sleep Inc filed Critical Eight Sleep Inc
Publication of WO2025179231A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025179231A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders or bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/04—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating
    • A47C21/048—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders or bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/04—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating
    • A47C21/042—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling
    • A47C21/044—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling with active means, e.g. by using air blowers or liquid pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
    • A47C7/72—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like
    • A47C7/74—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling
    • A47C7/742—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling for ventilating or cooling
    • A47C7/744—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling for ventilating or cooling with active means, e.g. by using air blowers or liquid pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
    • A47C7/72—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like
    • A47C7/74—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling
    • A47C7/748—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling for heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
    • A47G9/0207—Blankets; Duvets
    • A47G9/0215—Blankets; Duvets with cooling or heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/10—Pillows
    • A47G9/1036—Pillows with cooling or heating means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/22—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible
    • H05B3/28—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor embedded in insulating material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/40—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes
    • H05B3/54—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes flexible
    • H05B3/56—Heating cables

Definitions

  • Temperature of a fluid may need to be regulated for various reasons. For example, regulating a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed) via directing temperature- regulated fluid within and/or adjacent to the article of furniture can help improve a quality of a person’s activity on the furniture (e.g., sleeping on the bed).
  • fluid e.g., liquid or gas
  • Temperature of the fluid can be modulated to effect regulation of temperature of the article of furniture, to effect improvement of the person’s quality of sleep.
  • the present disclosure describes technologies relating to regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and more specifically the present disclosure describes using a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) and one or more temperature regulators of the fluid to regulate the temperature of a portion of the article of furniture.
  • a fluid e.g., a liquid or gas
  • one or more temperature regulators of the fluid to regulate the temperature of a portion of the article of furniture.
  • the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the upstream channel; a plurality of sub-channels, comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, wherein the plurality of sub-channels includes a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is configured to regulate a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first subchannel, and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second subchannel; and a downstream channel coupled to a second end of the plurality of sub-channels via a merging valve, wherein the downstream channel is configured to (i) receive the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and
  • the system is configured such that the processor directs the operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel.
  • the system further comprises a sensor coupled to the downstream channel and configured to detect the temperature of the mixed fluid.
  • the system further comprises an article channel disposed adjacent to or in at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) directing a fluid through an upstream channel; (b) directing the fluid to flow from the upstream channel towards a plurality of sub-channels comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, wherein the plurality of sub-channels includes a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is for regulating a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first sub-channel, and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is for regulating a temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second sub-channel; (c) generating, in a downstream channel, a mixed fluid comprising the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and the second portion of the fluid
  • the method comprises directing the operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel.
  • the method comprises detecting, via a sensor coupled to the downstream channel, the temperature of the mixed fluid.
  • an article channel is disposed adjacent to or in at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel.
  • the upstream channel comprises a pump configured to control the flow of the fluid through the upstream channel.
  • the first sub-channel comprises a thermal reservoir for holding a temperature-controlled fluid supply, wherein the first temperature regulator is coupled to the thermal reservoir for maintaining the temperature-controlled fluid supply at a target temperature.
  • the method comprises (i) receiving the first portion of the fluid from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) directing the flow of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled fluid supply from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel.
  • the first temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit
  • the second temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit.
  • the method is configured such that the temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature.
  • the method is configured such that the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time.
  • the method is configured such that the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.
  • the method is configured such that the material comprises a phase change material.
  • the method is configured such that the material comprises water or a derivative thereof.
  • the method is configured such that the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters.
  • the method is configured such that the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and the method comprises regulating, at the additional time and via the temperature regulator, the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.
  • the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising a thermal energy storage unit configured to hold a material; a temperature regulator coupled to the thermal energy storage unit and configured to regulate the temperature of the material to a target temperature; an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the channel; a side channel coupled to a portion of the upstream channel via a dividing valve and configured to direct a portion of the fluid through the side channel, wherein the side channel is disposed adjacent to the thermal energy storage unit to effect a heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the material, thereby permitting temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid; a downstream channel in fluid communication with the side channel and configured to direct at least the portion of the fluid that is temperature-regulated from the side channel towards at least the portion of the article of furniture; and a computer processor operatively coupled to the temperature regulator, programmed to (a) direct, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, the temperature regulator to regulate
  • the computer processor is not programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature.
  • the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time.
  • the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.
  • the material comprises a phase change material.
  • the material comprises water or a derivative thereof.
  • the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius.
  • the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.
  • the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit.
  • a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters.
  • a first end of the side channel is coupled to the portion of the upstream channel via the dividing valve, and a second end of the side channel is coupled to an additional portion of the upstream channel via a merging valve to direct the portion of the fluid back to the upstream channel.
  • the system further comprises an additional temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel and configured to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.
  • the temperature regulator is configured to decrease the temperature of the material to the target temperature, and the additional temperature regulator is configured to increase the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid.
  • the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and the computer processor is programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, wherein the method comprises directing a working fluid to flow from a reservoir to an upstream channel, such that a reserve fluid remains in the reservoir, wherein a portion of the upstream channel is disposed adjacent to the reservoir to effect a heat transfer between the working fluid in the portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir, without physical contact between the working fluid and the reserve fluid; regulating, via at least one temperature regulator coupled to the reservoir, the temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to a target temperature at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user; regulating, via the at least one temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel, the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or an additional portion of the upstream channel to an additional target temperature at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user; and directing the working fluid to flow from the upstream channel towards at least the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is not sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is not utilized to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid at the additional time. In some embodiments, the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time.
  • the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.
  • each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof.
  • the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius.
  • the additional target temperature is greater than the target temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters.
  • the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve to substantially prevent the flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir.
  • the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, and the method comprises controlling the operation of the valve to direct or prevent the flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel.
  • the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.
  • the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is not sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the reserve fluid to the target temperature. In some embodiments, the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time.
  • the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.
  • each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof.
  • the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius.
  • the additional target temperature is greater than the target temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters.
  • the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve configured to substantially prevent the flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir.
  • the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, wherein the computer processor is programmed to control the operation of the valve to direct or prevent the flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel.
  • the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.
  • the present disclosure provides a system for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the system comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature-controlled fluid; a condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid flow path; and a computer processor programmed to change the operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation.
  • the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.
  • the fluid comprises a liquid.
  • the system further comprises a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and a different condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the different fluid flow path, wherein the computer processor is programmed to change the operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor.
  • the computer processor is programmed to independently change the operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path.
  • the computer processor is programmed to change the operation of the different temperature regulator based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor.
  • the system further comprises a temperature sensor, wherein the computer processor is programmed to determine when condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on temperature sensing data measured by the temperature sensor.
  • the system comprises (i) a housing enclosing at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a fluid sensor disposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing to detect a sensor signal indicative of fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface.
  • the system further comprises a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir for detecting the amount of fluid in the reservoir.
  • the system further comprises an additional reservoir in fluid communication with the reservoir via a valve, wherein the additional reservoir is for holding a source of the fluid.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature-controlled fluid; and (b) changing the operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation.
  • the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.
  • the fluid comprises a liquid.
  • the fluid flow path is substantially sealed from ambient air.
  • the condensation sensor is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the reservoir.
  • the operation of the fluid flow path comprises the operation of the temperature regulator.
  • the operation of the temperature regulator is based on a target temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture, and changing the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing the target temperature based on the detected condensation.
  • changing the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing a minimum threshold value of the target temperature based on the detected condensation.
  • the method further comprises determining the target temperature based on a biological signal of the user measured while the user is using the article of furniture.
  • the method further comprises detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and changing the operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation.
  • the method further comprises independently changing the operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path.
  • the operation of the different fluid flow path comprises the operation of the different temperature regulator.
  • the method further comprises determining when the condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on temperature sensing data measured by a temperature sensor.
  • the method further comprises detecting, via a fluid sensor disposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing, a sensor signal indicative of fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface. In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting an amount of the fluid in the reservoir via a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir.
  • the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.
  • the fluid is a liquid.
  • the computer processor is programmed to (i) open the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in at least a portion of the fluid flow path and/or (ii) close the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in at least a portion of the fluid flow path.
  • the fluid flow path further comprises a pump for directing the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards at least a portion of the article of furniture.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) detecting the presence or absence of a fluid in a valve disposed along a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid flow path is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture for directing the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid throughout at least the portion of the article of furniture, and wherein the valve comprises (i) a first orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a second orifice in fluid communication with the ambient environment of the fluid flow path; and (b) closing or opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice of the valve based on the detected presence or absence of the fluid.
  • the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.
  • the fluid is a liquid.
  • the method further comprises (c) opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in the valve and/or (d) closing the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in the valve.
  • the method further comprises directing, via a pump, the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards at least a portion of the article of furniture.
  • the valve and/or the fluid sensor is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both.
  • the method further comprises directing, via a gravity valve, the flow of at least a portion of a source of fluid from a reservoir for holding the source of the fluid towards at least a portion of the fluid flow path, wherein the gravity valve is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both.
  • the valve and/or the fluid sensor is disposed downstream of the gravity valve.
  • at least a portion of the fluid flow path comprises a priming reservoir for receiving at least a portion of the source of fluid from the reservoir via the gravity valve.
  • the method further comprises generating the temperature-controlled fluid via a temperature controller disposed along the fluid flow path.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a bed device, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of layers comprising a bed pad device, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a system capable of automating the control of the home appliances, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature of a bed.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a block diagram for adjusting a temperature of a bed.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a block diagram for adjusting current provided to thermoelectric elements for adjusting a temperature of a bed.
  • FIGs. 9A-9D illustrate examples of a system for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture.
  • FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a system for regulating temperatures of a plurality of portions of an article of furniture.
  • FIGs. 11 and 12 illustrate examples of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.
  • FIGs. 13 and 14 illustrate different examples of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.
  • FIG. 16 shows a computer system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods provided herein.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates an example fluid channel system comprising a thermal energy storage unit as provided herein.
  • FIGs. 18-20 illustrate a dual-section system configuration for fluid circulation and cooling using thermoelectric coolers (TECs), according to various embodiments.
  • TECs thermoelectric coolers
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a dual-section system configuration for fluid circulation and sensors localization.
  • FIGs. 22-25 illustrate a system configuration with dual or multi sets for fluid circulation and temperature control, according to various embodiments.
  • FIGs. 26 and 27 illustrate a 3D representation of a hub and its components.
  • FIG. 28 illustrates a control application on a smart device for monitoring and managing the functions of the system.
  • the terms “furniture,” “article of furniture,” or “piece of furniture,” as used interchangeably herein, generally can refer to a bed, a pillow, crib, bassinet, chair, seat, loveseat, sofa, couch, head rest, stool, ottoman, bench, or any panel intended to be covered with a fabric.
  • the article of furniture can be intended for use in a home, an office, a medical facility (e.g., a hospital), or on a vehicle of transportation such as a car, truck, boat, bus, train or the like.
  • the article of furniture can be intended for use for at least one person (and/or at least one animal, such as a pet).
  • the article of furniture can be intended for use for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more persons.
  • the article of furniture can be intended for use for at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 person.
  • the article of furniture may be a bed, and the bed may comprise a plurality of sizes comprising single, single extra-long, double, queen, king, super king, etc.
  • the article of furniture may be an infant warmer (i.e., a babytherm) to provide heat at one or more temperatures to an infant.
  • the terms “bed” or “bed device,” as used interchangeably herein, may be an article of furniture used for sleep or rest.
  • the bed may comprise a mattress, a mattress pad, a pillow, and/or a covering thereof (e.g., a blanket).
  • One or more users may sleep or rest on and/or adjacent to a surface of the bed device.
  • the surface may be a top surface of the bed device.
  • the top surface of the bed device may be flat or textured.
  • the bed device may be a mattress.
  • the bed device may be a mattress pad that covers at least a portion of a surface of a mattress or at least a surface of the mattress.
  • the bed device may be a pillow.
  • the user(s) may sleep under a surface of the bed device.
  • the surface may be one or more surfaces of a covering, such as, for example, a blanket.
  • the blanket may be disposed on top of at least a part of the user(s).
  • the bed device may be the blanket.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep (e.g., assist the user(s) to fall asleep faster) on the bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at least about 0.1 hour faster as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, or more hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at most about 2, 1.5, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or less hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep longer (e.g., for a nondetermined period of time or a predetermined period of time) on the bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assistant the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 0.5 hour as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1,5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, or more hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or less hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed.
  • the bed may shorten or extend a sleep phase of the user(s) while sleeping or resting on the bed.
  • the bed may assist the user(s) to enter or exit a sleep phase while awake, sleeping, or resting on the bed.
  • the bed may improve quality of sleep of the user(s).
  • the bed of the present disclosure may assist the user to wake up from sleeping.
  • the bed of the present disclosure may use one or more alarm mechanisms to wake up the user from sleeping.
  • the alarm mechanism(s) may include a personal device (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, a digital alarm clock, etc.) or the bed itself (e.g., mattress, bed sheet, blanket, pillow, mattress frame, etc.).
  • the bed may regulate (or adjust) one or more settings of the bed.
  • Such setting(s) of the bed may comprise temperature, position relative to a rest position of the bed, movement (e.g., vibration, translation, rotation, etc.).
  • the bed may be capable of increasing and/or decreasing a temperature of a portion of the bed (e.g., a portion of a surface of the bed) to wake up the user that is sleeping on the portion of the bed.
  • a portion of the bed e.g., a portion of a surface of the bed
  • the bed may be configured to wake up the user at a predetermined wake-up time that is input by the user prior to sleeping.
  • the bed may not receive data indicative of a predetermined wake-up time from the user.
  • the bed may be configured to automatically determine a wake-up time (e.g., an optimal wake-up time) to wake up the user based at least in part on one or more detected biological signals of the user of the bed.
  • the bed may be able to use one or more sensors to detect a movement, presence, and/or absence of the user of the bed, thereby to determine whether the user is awake and/or out of the bed. Additionally, the bed may be configured to automatically diminish and/or turn off the alarm mechanism(s) when it is determined, at least in part by the one or more sensors, that the user is awake and/or out of the bed.
  • a temperature of the article of furniture may be controlled (e.g., increasing, decreasing, or maintaining the temperature of the bed).
  • a temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture may be controlled.
  • the temperature of the article of furniture may be adjustable or maintained prior to, during, or subsequent to a use (e.g., sleeping or resting for a period of time) by the user(s).
  • the bed may be pre-warmed (e.g., automatically or per user preference) prior to the use by the user(s).
  • temperatures or two or more portions of the article of furniture may be controlled separately or in sync.
  • the article of furniture may use one or more sensors and/or one or more computer systems to detect sensing data (e.g., one or more biological signals) associated with the user.
  • the sensing data can be utilized to estimate or determine a condition of state of the user prior to, during, or subsequent to using the article of furniture (e.g., determine sleep phase, sleep pattern, disease, disorder, etc. of the user).
  • the sensor(s) may or may not be a part of the article of furniture.
  • the sensor(s) may be part of the article of furniture.
  • the sensor(s) may be a part of a space (e.g., room) surrounding the article of furniture.
  • the sensor(s) may be worn by the user(s).
  • Non-limiting examples of a sensor can include a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, etc.
  • the sensing data can be utilized (e.g., analyzed), at least in part, to determine how to regulate temperature of the article of furniture prior to, during, and subsequent to the user’s use of the article of furniture.
  • the sensor(s) may be used to detect a property (e.g., temperature, movement, etc.) of the article of furniture or such property of an environment surrounding the article of furniture.
  • the senor(s) of the article of furniture can be disposed within a portion of the article of furniture that corresponds to a target bodily portion of the user, such as head, arms, legs, torso, upper body, lower body, etc.
  • a disorder of a user can be a sleep disorder.
  • the sleep disorder may include dyssomnias, such as insomnia, primary hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia, posttraumatic hypersomnia, menstrual-related hypersomnia), sleep disordered breathing (e.g., sleep apnea, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome), circadian rhythm sleep disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder), parasomnias (e.g., bedwetting, bruxism, catathrenia, exploding head syndrome, sleep terror, REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep talking), jet lag, restless legs syndrome, etc.
  • dyssomnias such as insomnia, primary hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia, posttraumatic hypersomni
  • the article of furniture may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of the user(s).
  • the article of furniture may be capable of adjusting a property of the article of furniture (e.g., temperature or movement of the article of furniture, such as vibration, geometric configuration, etc.) to control (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) the biological signal(s) of the user(s) of the article of furniture.
  • the term “sleep phase,” as used herein, can refer to a light sleep, deep sleep, or rapid eye movement ("REM") sleep.
  • REM rapid eye movement
  • a person can experience a non-REM sleep first, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep. In some cases, the person can experience a continued cycle of the non-REM sleep and the REM sleep.
  • stage two the person may be in light sleep.
  • the person's heart rate may slow, and the person's body temperature may drop.
  • the person's body may be getting ready for deep sleep.
  • This stage may also be considered as a light sleep.
  • Stage three may be a deep sleep stage.
  • the person may be harder to rouse during this stage, and if the person was woken up, the person would feel disoriented for a few minutes.
  • the body may repair and regrow tissues, build bone and muscle, and strengthen the immune system.
  • the REM sleep can happen 90 minutes after a person falls asleep. In some cases, the person may have dreams during the REM sleep.
  • An initial period of the REM sleep may typically last 10 minutes.
  • any latter period of the REM sleep may get longer, and the final period of the REM sleep may last up to about an hour.
  • the person's heart rate and respiration may quicken during the REM sleep (e.g., during the final period of the REM sleep).
  • the person may have intense dreams during the REM sleep, since the brain is more active.
  • the REM sleep may affect learning of certain mental skills.
  • a “sleep pattern”, as used herein, can indicate a recurrence or change in (i) one or more biological signals and/or (i) one or more sleep phases of the user of the bed.
  • the sleep pattern may be described over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, 5 hour, 6 hour, etc.), along with a count of the biological signal(s) or the sleep phase(s).
  • the sleep pattern may comprise a preferred setting of the biological signal(s) or sleep phase(s) of the user.
  • the preferred setting of the biological signal(s) may comprise a type of the biological signal(s), along with a preferred value or range of values of the biological signal(s) (e.g., a preferred body temperature or range of body temperature of the user).
  • the preferred setting of the sleep phase(s) may comprise a type of the sleep phase(s), along with a preferred value or range of values of the sleep phase(s).
  • module refers broadly to software, hardware, or firmware components (or any combination thereof). Modules are typically functional components that can generate useful data or another output using specified input(s). A module may or may not be self-contained.
  • An application program also called an "application”
  • An application may include one or more modules, or a module may include one or more application programs.
  • the term “on top of’ can mean that the two objects, where the first object is “on top of’ the second object, can be rotated so that the first object is above the second object relative to the ground.
  • the two objects can be in direct or indirect contact or may not be in contact at all.
  • the term “channel”, as used herein, can mean a structure that is capable of being a medium for allowing a fluid to flow within and along an inner volume of the channel, e.g., to flow between at least two locations.
  • Non-limiting examples of a channel can include a pipe, a hose, a tube, a duct, etc.
  • a channel can be transparent, semi-transparent, or non-transparent.
  • a channel can be flexible or substantially rigid.
  • a channel can be made of a polymer (e.g., plastic) or ceramic material (e.g., glass).
  • the terms “channel” and “flow channel” may be used interchangeably herein.
  • a channel can comprise or can be fluidically coupled to one or more pumps (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 pump(s), or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 pump(s)).
  • a channel can comprise an opening that is fluidically coupled to one or more pumps.
  • a pump can be configured to control flow rate (e.g., maintain, decrease, increase, etc.) of a fluid along the channel or control direction of flow of a fluid along the channel. For example, a pump can receive the fluid at a first flow rate from an opening of the channel, and subsequently send the fluid at a second and different flow rate into an additional opening of the channel.
  • a pump can be configured to operate via one or more energy sources, e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc.
  • energy sources e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc.
  • Non-limiting examples of a pump can include a positive displacement pump, gear pump, screw pump, progressing cavity pump, roots-type pump, peristaltic pump, plunger pump, compressed-air-powered double-diaphragm pump, hydraulic pump, velocity pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, eductor jet pump, gravity pump, steam pump, valveless pump, etc.
  • a channel can comprise or can be fluidically coupled to one or more valves (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 valve(s), or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 valve(s)).
  • a channel can comprise an opening that is fluidically coupled to one or more valves.
  • a valve can be configured to control passage of the fluid through, in, and/or out of the channel.
  • an inlet valve can control passage (e.g., permit or block entry) of a fluid from one channel (e.g., that is connected to a reservoir of the fluid) into another channel.
  • an outlet valve can control passage (e.g., permit or block exit) of a fluid from one channel to another channel (e.g., that is connected to a temperature regulator).
  • a valve can be disposed at a position along a length of a channel, thereby to control passage of the fluid from one side of the channel to the other side of the channel.
  • a valve can be disposed at a junction (e.g., Y-junction) to (i) control combination of fluids from two different channels into a single channel or (ii) control splitting of a fluid from a single channel into two different channels.
  • the valve may be a one-way valve, two-way valve, three-way valve, or four-way valve.
  • Non-limiting examples of a valve can include a check valve, clack valve, nonreturn valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve.
  • the valve can be a gravitational valve configured to use a force of gravity to draw the fluid away from a reservoir of the fluid (e.g., out of the reservoir) and towards the channel or a component thereof (e.g., a pump, a temperature regulator, etc.).
  • a junction e.g., a dividing junction
  • a valve e.g., a dividing valve
  • the plurality of sub-channels may be merged at an additional junction (e.g., a merge junction).
  • the dividing junction and/or the merge junction may be referred to as a mixing valve.
  • Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems (e.g., fluid channel systems) for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.
  • the system can comprise a channel for carrying fluid and permitting flow of the fluid along the channel. At least a portion of the channel (e.g., an article channel) is disposed adjacent to (e.g., above, underneath, within, etc.) at least a portion of the article of furniture, such that temperature regulated fluid flowing along the at least the portion of the channel can regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture such as a bed device.
  • the system can comprise a plurality of article channels (e.g., at least or at most about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 article channels), each article channel of the plurality of article channels configured to independently direct flow of temperature regulated fluid to different portions of the article of furniture.
  • the different portions can correspond to different sides (e.g., left side and right side) of the article of furniture.
  • the different portions can correspond to different respective parts of a user’s body (e.g., head, neck, torso, upper extremities, lower extremities, or a combination thereof).
  • the article channel can comprise a plurality of sub-channels that is disposed adjacent to the at least the portion of the article of furniture, as described herein.
  • a portion an article channel can be split into the plurality of sub-channels via a first junction, and the plurality of sub-channels can merge into an additional portion of the article channel via a second junction.
  • the loop channel can be configured such that the fluid control channel directs temperature controlled fluid to the article channel to control temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture, and the fluid that has flown through the article channel (e.g., used fluid) can flow from the article channel back to the fluid control channel such that the fluid control channel or one or more components thereof can monitor (e.g., via one or more sensors) the temperature of the used fluid and adjust temperature of the used fluid to a desired temperature (e.g., via one or more temperature regulators) before sending the temperature regulated fluid back to the first portion (e.g., via one or more pumps, valves, etc.).
  • the loop channel comprising the article channel and the fluid control channel can be a substantially closed-loop channel.
  • the closed-loop channel can comprise one or more openings (e.g., via one or more valves) to control (e.g., block or permit) flow of a fluid in and/or out of the closed-loop channel.
  • the loop channel can be configured to permit flow of the fluid to circulate (e.g., continuously circulate) throughout the loop channel, e.g., flowing through the article channel, subsequently through the fluid control channel, subsequently through the article channel, subsequently through the fluid control channel, etc.
  • the reservoir(s) as provided herein can be coupled to or in fluid communication with the fluid control channel (e.g., directly or via one or more valves). In some embodiments, the reservoir(s) as provided herein may not and need not be directly coupled to or in fluid communication with the article channel.
  • a fluid drawn from a reservoir may need to enter and flow through the fluid control channel prior to entering and flowing through the article channel.
  • the reservoir(s) as provided herein may not be coupled to or in fluid communication with the article channel.
  • the system can comprise a reservoir (e.g., a single reservoir or a plurality of reservoirs) configured to hold the fluid.
  • the reservoir can be in fluid communication with one or more channels (e.g., at least a portion of the loop channel, such as the fluid control channel) as provided herein, e.g., via a valve and/or a pump.
  • a reservoir may not be coupled to or may not comprise a temperature regulator (e.g., a temperature heating unit and/or a temperature cooling unit), such that a fluid contained within such reservoir is not temperature regulated.
  • a reservoir can be coupled to or can comprise at least a portion of a temperature regulator to regulate temperature of a fluid contained within such reservoir.
  • a reservoir can contain (i) a fluid and (ii) at least a portion of a cooler or a heater, to cool or heat the temperature of the fluid contained within the reservoir.
  • the system can comprise a plurality of reservoirs each configured to hold the fluid.
  • the plurality of reservoirs can be in fluid communication with one another directly or indirectly (e.g., via at least a portion of the channel, at least one valve, and/or at least one pump).
  • the plurality of reservoirs may not be directly coupled to each other.
  • a reservoir as provided herein can be utilized as a main source of the fluid for the system of the present disclosure.
  • the reservoir can be accessible to a user (e.g., via an opening, via having a removable container), such that the user can provide or refill the fluid to the system (e.g., fill or refill liquid such as water to the system).
  • Fluid can be directed from the reservoir and into the channel, e.g., to fill at least a portion of the loop channel with the fluid above a threshold amount (e.g., as determined by a sensor configured to determine an amount of fluid circulating throughout the channel of the system).
  • a threshold amount e.g., as determined by a sensor configured to determine an amount of fluid circulating throughout the channel of the system.
  • a total amount of the fluid in the reservoir is decreased by the amount of the portion that has been drawn out, until the reservoir is refilled with new fluid, e.g., by the user.
  • Such reservoir can be referred to as a refillable reservoir.
  • Such refillable reservoir may not and need not be configured to self-maintain a level (or amount of) fluid contained or stored in it.
  • such reservoir may not be coupled to or may not comprise a temperature regulator.
  • such reservoir may not be configured to receive water that has flown through at least a portion of the channel (e.g., used water), such that the only permitted direction of flow of the fluid (e.g., liquid) between the reservoir and the channel (e.g., loop channel) is from the reservoir and towards the channel but not the opposite way.
  • the channel e.g., used water
  • the refillable reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the article channel. In some embodiments, the refillable reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the loop channel.
  • a reservoir e.g., one or more reservoirs
  • the reservoir can be coupled to or can comprise a temperature regulator, such that the fluid contained in the reservoir is maintained at a temperature different than the temperature of the fluid in channel or different than ambient temperature).
  • a thermal reservoir such reservoir can be referred to as a thermal reservoir
  • the temperature regulated fluid in the thermal reservoir can be referred to as a thermal fluid.
  • the fluid contained in the thermal reservoir can be maintained at or around a threshold temperature.
  • the threshold temperature can be at least about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C), 1 °C, 1.5 °C, 2 °C, 2.5
  • the threshold temperature can be at most about 70 °C, 60
  • the thermal reservoir can be a cold reservoir, and the threshold temperature can be less than the ambient temperature (e.g., at most about 20 °C, at most about 10 °C, etc.). In some cases, the thermal reservoir can be a hot reservoir, and the threshold temperature can be greater than the ambient temperature (e.g., at least about 40 °C, at least about 50 °C, etc.). [0070] In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir can comprise a cold reservoir. In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir can comprise a hot reservoir.
  • a main fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel can be mixed with a temperature regulated fluid from the reservoir (e.g., the thermal reservoir).
  • the temperature regulated fluid can be directed to flow from the thermal reservoir and into the channel, thereby permitting mixing of the main fluid and the temperature regulated fluid in the channel, for providing temperature regulated fluid to the article of furniture.
  • the amount of the main fluid that has entered into the thermal reservoir and the amount of the temperature regulated fluid that subsequently exits the thermal reservoir and enters into the channel can be substantially the same or can be different (e.g., as ascertained by volume or weight) by at most about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.
  • the reservoir configured to hold the temperature regulated fluid
  • the reservoir can comprise one or more sensors configured to detect temperature of the fluid in such reservoir, e.g., to monitor the temperature of the fluid and adjust such temperature as needed (e.g., based on a target temperature or a predetermined temperature goal).
  • the temperature sensor can include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, and a semiconductor-based sensor.
  • the reservoir may not and need not comprise a fluid temperature sensor.
  • the system can comprise such fluid temperature sensor disposed outside of the reservoir, to measure temperature of the temperature regulated fluid that is drawn away from the reservoir.
  • the system can comprise (i) a first reservoir (e.g., one or more refillable reservoirs as provided herein) that does not comprise any fluid temperature regulator and is not capable of modifying temperature of the fluid contained in the first reservoir and (ii) a second reservoir (e.g., one or more thermal reservoirs as provided herein) that is coupled to or comprises a temperature regulator, to modify (e.g., increase or decrease) temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and contain such temperature regulated fluid.
  • a first reservoir e.g., one or more refillable reservoirs as provided herein
  • a second reservoir e.g., one or more thermal reservoirs as provided herein
  • the presence of a thermal reservoir (e.g., for holding a batch of pre-cooled or pre-heated liquid) in the system can enhance efficiency (e.g., energy efficiency, time efficiency, etc.) of regulating temperature in the channel (e.g., the loop channel such as the fluid control channel).
  • efficiency e.g., energy efficiency, time efficiency, etc.
  • decreasing temperature of the fluid by directing the fluid to flow adjacent to a non-reservoir temperature regulator e.g., a thermoelectric device such as a Peltier device
  • a thermoelectric device such as a Peltier device
  • a reservoir as provided herein may or may not be sealed.
  • the reservoir may be sealed, and thus the fluid contained in the reservoir may be sealed off from ambient air outside the reservoir. Such sealed reservoir may slow down or prevent escape of the fluid (e.g., evaporation of the liquid) out of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may comprise at least one container configured to contain the fluid.
  • the container may or may not be removable from the reservoir.
  • the container may be a vat.
  • the container may or may not have a lid.
  • the lid may or may not be removable from the container.
  • the container may be sealed, thereby to slow down or prevent escape of the fluid (e.g., evaporation of the liquid) out of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may not leak.
  • the reservoir may be located above or below the height of the article of furniture (e.g., the mattress of the bed).
  • the reservoir may be located approximately at the height of the article of furniture.
  • the system can comprise one or more temperature regulators as provided herein (e.g., a temperature heating unit and/or a temperature cooling unit).
  • the temperature regulator as provided herein can be configured to modify (e.g., increase or decrease) temperature of the fluid and/or maintain the temperature of the fluid that is in direct or indirect contact with the temperature regulator.
  • the temperature regulator can be configured to adjust the fluid temperature to or maintain the fluid temperature at a threshold temperature (or a predetermined temperature).
  • the system can comprise a single temperature regulator.
  • the system can comprise at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 temperature regulators, or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 temperature regulators.
  • the temperature regulator can be coupled to a reservoir. In some cases, the temperature regulator may not and need not be coupled to a reservoir.
  • the system can comprise a temperature regulator unit that can be configured to (i) increase (or heat) the temperature of the fluid and (ii) decrease (or cool) the temperature of the fluid.
  • the temperature regulator unit can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), such as a Peltier device, which comprises a cold side heat sink surface for cooling the fluid and a different hot side heat sink surface for heating the fluid.
  • TEC thermoelectric cooler
  • At least a portion of a temperature regulator can be disposed within the channel (e.g., in direct contact with the fluid), to modify the temperature of the fluid.
  • at least a portion of the temperature regulator can be disposed outside the channel (e.g., not in direct contact with the fluid), but such temperature regulator can still be sufficient to modify the temperature of the fluid.
  • heat exchange may occur between the at least the portion of the temperature regulator and the fluid inside the channel via (or through) a physical wall of the channel.
  • the fluid control channel as provided herein can comprise a main channel and a side channel (e.g., a branch channel) that is split from the main channel via a junction, such as a valve.
  • the side channel can comprise (i) a first portion configured to receive a fluid from the main channel and (ii) a second portion configured to send a fluid from the side channel to the main channel.
  • a temperature regulator as provided herein can be operatively coupled to the main channel of the fluid control channel, such that the temperature regulator is configured to modify temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing or disposed in the main channel.
  • a temperature regulator can be operatively coupled to the side channel of the fluid control channel, such that the temperature regulator is configured to modify temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing or disposed in the side channel.
  • the side channel can be in fluid communication with a thermal reservoir comprising or coupled to a temperature regulator.
  • the system can comprise a plurality of different temperature regulators.
  • the plurality of different temperature regulators can be disposed directly adjacent to one another. Alternatively, the plurality of different temperature regulators may not be disposed directly adjacent to one another. Instead, the plurality of different temperature regulators can be in different parts of the channel.
  • each of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be coupled to different parts of the loop channel.
  • each of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be coupled to different parts of the article channel or different parts of the fluid control channel.
  • one of the pluralities of different temperature regulators can be coupled to the main channel of the fluid control channel and another one of the pluralities of different temperature regulators can be coupled to the side channel of the fluid control channel.
  • Such side channel can comprise or can be in direct fluid communication with a reservoir, such as a thermal reservoir.
  • one member of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be a temperature heating unit, and another member of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be a temperature cooling unit.
  • one of the temperature heating unit and the temperature cooling unit e.g., the temperature heating unit
  • another one of the temperature heating unit and the temperature cooling unit e.g., the temperature cooling unit, respectively
  • Non-limiting examples of a temperature heating unit can include a thermoelectric device, a resistive heater, an inductive heater, an electromagnetic heater, a thin film heater, a printed element heater, and a positive temperature coefficient heater.
  • Non-limiting examples of a temperature cooling unit can include a thermoelectric device, a refrigeration (or freezer) system, and a pulse tube.
  • the refrigeration system as provided herein can comprise two or more parts comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and/or a combination thereof, wherein the two or more parts are in fluid communication with one another via a refrigerant fluid (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrocarbons, cryogens, etc.).
  • a refrigerant fluid e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrocarbons, cryogens, etc.
  • at least a portion of the refrigeration system e.g., the evaporator
  • the refrigeration system e.g., the evaporator
  • at least a portion of the refrigeration system e.g., the evaporator
  • an evaporator of the refrigeration system can be configured to absorb heat from a fluid, thereby decreasing a temperature of the fluid.
  • low pressure vapor of the refrigerant can leave the evaporator and be direct to, e.g., a compressor.
  • the compressor of the refrigeration system can be configured to increase the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, e.g., such that the refrigerant fluid enters the compressor as low- pressure and/or low-temperature gas and leaves the compressor as high-pressure and/or high- temperature gas.
  • the high pressure vapor of the refrigerant can leave the compressor and be directed to, e.g., a condenser.
  • the system as provided herein can comprise a controller (e.g., a computer processor) configured to monitor and/or control temperature of the fluid flowing though the channel (e.g., the fluid control channel).
  • the controller can be operatively (e.g., digitally) coupled to any one of the temperature regulators to direct the temperature regulators to modify the temperature of the fluid at its respective locations along the channel.
  • the controller can be operatively (e.g., digitally) coupled to any one of the valves and/or pumps, to (i) direct flow of the fluid towards and away from a target temperature regulator and/or (ii) direct the fluid to bypass a temperature regulator when needed.
  • the controller can be configured to turn on and turn off each of the temperature regulators.
  • the controller can be a thermostat (e.g., a versatile sensing and control (VSCU)).
  • the channel of the system can comprise two different temperature regulators (e.g., one temperature heating unit and one temperature cooling unit) disposed at different sub-channels, and the controller can be configured to regulate (i) timing and/or amount of the fluid flowing towards or into each respective sub-channel comprising a temperature regulator and/or (ii) timing and/or degree of mixing of the fluids from the respective sub-channel after such fluids are temperature-regulated by the temperature regulators.
  • the controller can be configured to regulate (i) timing and/or amount of the fluid flowing towards or into each respective sub-channel comprising a temperature regulator and/or (ii) timing and/or degree of mixing of the fluids from the respective sub-channel after such fluids are temperature-regulated by the temperature regulators.
  • the channel of the system can comprise an upstream channel, at least two sub-channels fluidically coupled to the upstream channel (e.g., a single upstream channel) via a dividing junction (e.g., a dividing valve), and a downstream channel fluidically coupled to a downstream channel (e.g., a single downstream channel) via a merging junction.
  • the at least two sub-channels can comprise (or can be operatively coupled to) a temperature regulator.
  • one sub-channel can comprise a temperature heating unit
  • an additional sub-channel can comprise a temperature cooling unit.
  • the upstream channel can direct a fluid to the dividing junction
  • the dividing junction can be configured to control (i) a first amount of a first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel, e.g., comprising a temperature cooling unit, and (ii) a second amount of a second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second sub-channel, e.g., comprising a temperature heating unit.
  • a volume ratio of the first amount of the first portion of the fluid (FA) to the second amount of the second portion of the fluid (SA) can be about 100:0 (FA:SA) to about 0: 100 (FA:SA).
  • the volume ratio can be at least or at most about 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85: 15. 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, 10:90, 5:95, 1 :99, or 0: 100.
  • the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel can be fluidically coupled to the downstream channel via a merging junction. Fluids (e.g., temperature controlled or not) from the first sub-channel and/or the second sub-channel can be directed to flow towards and through the downstream channel.
  • the merging junction can be configured to control (i) a first amount of a first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel, and (ii) a second amount of a second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel.
  • a volume ratio of the first amount of the first portion of the fluid (FA) to the second amount of the second portion of the fluid (SA) can be about 100:0 (FA:SA) to about 0: 100 (FA:SA).
  • the volume ratio can be at least or at most about 100:0, 95:5, 90: 10, 85: 15. 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, 10:90, 5:95, 1 :99, or 0: 100.
  • the system as provided herein can comprise a plurality of loop channels, each loop channel for regulating temperature of a zone of the same article of furniture or for regulating temperature of different articles of furniture.
  • a first loop channel can be disposed adjacent to or in a first side of an article of furniture to effect regulation of temperature of the first side of the article of furniture
  • a second loop channel can be disposed adjacent to or in a second side of the same article of furniture to effect regulation of temperature of the second side of the article of furniture.
  • each of the plurality of loop channels can have its own and separate reservoir(s) as provided herein.
  • the system can comprise a common reservoir in fluid communication with or coupled to the plurality of loop channels, to provide fluid (e.g., temperature regulated or not) to each of the plurality of loop channels.
  • each of the plurality of loop channels can have its own and separate temperature regulator(s) as provided herein.
  • the system can comprise a common temperature regulator in fluid communication with or coupled to the plurality of loop channels, to regulate temperature of a first fluid in a first loop channel and also regulate temperature of a second fluid in a second loop channel.
  • the fluid directed to flow through the channel(s) provided herein can be liquid (e.g., water) or gas (e.g., air).
  • FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an example fluid channel system for regulating temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a mattress or a cover thereof).
  • the system comprises a loop channel 110 configured to direct a fluid (e.g., liquid such as water) to flow (e.g., circulate) through the loop channel 110.
  • the loop channel 110 comprises an article channel 112 portion that is disposed adjacent to or within the article of furniture 120, such that a temperature regulated fluid can flow through the article channel 112 and effect regulation of temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture.
  • the loop channel 110 comprises a fluid control channel 114 to regulate the temperature of the fluid flowing through the loop channel 110.
  • the fluid control channel 114 comprises a main channel 114A and a side channel 114B.
  • the main channel 114A is a portion of the fluid control channel 114 that is directly coupled to the article channel 112.
  • the side channel 114B can be a split-off channel from the main channel 114A to fluidically couple a reservoir to the main channel 114A.
  • the system can comprise a refillable reservoir 130 to provide fluid to the loop channel 110.
  • the flow between the refillable reservoir 130 and the loop channel 110 can be a one-way flow (e.g., via a valve).
  • the system can comprise a thermal reservoir 142 configured to hold an amount of temperature-regulated fluid.
  • Temperature regulation of the fluid in the thermal reservoir 142 can be performed by a temperature regulator 150A (e.g., temperature cooling unit) that is at least partly coupled to the thermal reservoir 142.
  • the temperature regulator 150A may not be coupled to the main channel 114A.
  • the system can comprise a temperature regulator 150B (e.g., temperature heating unit) that is coupled to the main channel 114A to directly regulate temperature of the fluid while the fluid is in or flowing through the main channel 114A.
  • the portion of the main channel 114A that is upstream of the sub-channels comprising the temperature regulators 150A and 105B, respectively, may be referred to as an upstream channel.
  • the upstream channel and the plurality of sub-channels can be fluidically coupled via a dividing junction (e.g., a dividing valve).
  • a dividing junction e.g., a dividing valve
  • the portion of the main channel 114A that is downstream of the sub-channels comprising the temperature regulators 150A and 105B, respectively, may be referred to as a downstream channel.
  • the plurality of subchannels and the downstream channel can be fluidically coupled via a merging junction (e.g., a merging valve).
  • Example 1 Non-limiting examples of the fluid channel systems and methods thereof are illustrated in Example 1, Example 3, Example 4, and Example 6 below.
  • a fluid e.g., liquid or gas
  • a fluid that is temperature regulated can be directed to flow throughout at least a portion of an article of furniture, to regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture.
  • a continuous or intermittent cooling of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be needed (or required) throughout the use of the article of furniture by the user (e.g., throughout the night for sleeping when the article of furniture is a bed device).
  • such continuous or intermittent cooling during the use of the article of furniture can have a negative effect on the use itself, such as, for example, low energy efficiency, noise from one or more electrical or mechanical instruments responsible for the cooling (e.g., temperature regulators, fans, etc.), and/or waste heat generated by such instrument(s) during its operation, one or more of which can lead to a sub-optimal experience of the user.
  • one or more electrical or mechanical instruments responsible for the cooling e.g., temperature regulators, fans, etc.
  • waste heat generated by such instrument(s) during its operation one or more of which can lead to a sub-optimal experience of the user.
  • thermal energy storage module that can allow partial or complete load shifting of the thermal energy required for the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture throughout its use (e.g., a single use, such as a nightly use of a bed device), wherein one or more instruments required for the temperature regulation (e.g., one or more cooling engines) can run during the day (e.g., when the article of furniture is not in use, on average, by the user) to generate thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module, which thermal energy can be used to entirely or partly provide temperature regulation (e.g., cooling) of the fluid flowing through the at least the portion of the article of furniture during actual use of the article of furniture (e.g., at night time).
  • instruments required for the temperature regulation e.g., one or more cooling engines
  • Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.
  • the system as provided herein can comprise a thermal energy storage unit (or module) comprising a material for holding partial or complete amount of thermal energy required for the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture throughout its use (e.g., a single use, such as a nightly use of a bed device), e.g., to reduce utilization of other temperature regulation means (e.g., electricity-powered temperature regulators, such as refrigeration system or thermoelectric units) during the use of the article of furniture by the user.
  • a thermal energy storage unit or module
  • a material for holding partial or complete amount of thermal energy required for the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture throughout its use e.g., a single use, such as a nightly use of a bed device
  • other temperature regulation means e.g., electricity-powered temperature regulators, such as refrigeration system or thermoelectric units
  • the system can comprise a channel for carrying fluid and permitting flow of the fluid along the channel.
  • At least a portion of the channel e.g., an article channel
  • At least a portion of the channel is disposed adjacent to (e.g., above, underneath, within, etc.) at least a portion of the article of furniture, such that temperature regulated fluid flowing along the at least the portion of the channel can regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture such as a bed device.
  • the thermal energy storage unit may not and need not be in fluid communication with the channel.
  • the material in the thermal energy storage unit and the fluid in the channel of the system may not be in physical contact (e.g., may not be mixed) for operation of the system to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • an interior volume of the thermal energy storage unit and an interior volume of the channel may be sealed from one another.
  • At least a portion of the channel can be in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storage unit, to direct flow of at least a portion of a fluid of the channel in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storage unit, to effect a heat transfer between (i) the portion of the fluid in the portion of the channel and (ii) the material in the thermal energy storage unit, thereby permitting a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid which can subsequently regulate the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • heat transfer can occur in absence of a physical contact between (e.g., mixing of) the portion of the fluid and the material.
  • the thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with the channel.
  • the thermal energy storage unit can be a reservoir for holding a material (e.g., a fluid) that is usable for (i) flowing through the channel for regulation of the article of furniture and (ii) retaining thermal energy (e.g., via phase change as described herein) that is at least partly sufficient to regulate temperature of the material that is flowing through the channel during use of the article of furniture.
  • the reservoir can comprise a fluid. A first portion of the fluid in the reservoir can be utilized as a medium that flows through a portion of the channel as a working fluid.
  • a second portion of the fluid in the reservoir can remain in the reservoir as a reserve fluid, which reserve fluid can be activated (e.g., via an activator such as a temperature regulator as provided herein) to retain thermal energy that is to be utilized (e.g., dissipated) later for temperature regulation of the article of furniture.
  • an activator such as a temperature regulator as provided herein
  • At least a portion of the channel can be in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the reservoir, to effect a heat transfer between (i) the working fluid flowing through the portion of the channel and (ii) the reserve fluid (or phase changed variant thereof) that is remaining in the reservoir, thereby permitting a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid which can subsequently regulate the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • heat transfer can occur in absence of a physical contact between (e.g., mixing of) the working fluid and the reserve fluid.
  • the channel and the thermal energy storage unit may not be in direct fluid communication with one another.
  • the channel and the thermal energy storage unit e.g., a reservoir
  • the channel and the thermal energy storage unit can be coupled to one another via such valve.
  • the valve can be a one-way valve that (i) permits flow of a fluid from the thermal energy storage unit to the channel and (ii) substantially prevents flow of the fluid from the channel to the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the valve can be a multi-way valve (e.g., a two-way valve) that permits flow of the fluid from the thermal energy storage unit to the channel and vice versa.
  • the channel can comprise an upstream channel and an article channel.
  • the upstream channel and the article channel can form a loop to permit circulation of the fluid through the upstream channel and the article channel.
  • At least a portion of the upstream channel can be utilized to regulate temperature of the fluid, such that the temperature regulated fluid can flow through the article channel, thereby regulating temperature of the article of furniture.
  • at least a portion of the upstream channel can be in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage unit (or the reservoir), to permit the heat transfer between the thermal energy storage unit and the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the upstream channel.
  • the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit can be in proximity with (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storage unit, e.g., at a distance that is at most about 10 centimeters (cm), 9 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.1 cm, or less.
  • a surface (e.g., outer surface) of the portion of the upstream channel responsible for such heat transfer may be in direct contact with a surface (e.g., outer surface, inner surface, etc.) of the thermal energy storage unit.
  • a length of the portion of the upstream channel for the heat transfer can be at least or at most about 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm, or 100 cm.
  • an internal or external cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the portion of the upstream channel for the heat transfer can be at least or at most about 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, or 10 cm.
  • the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit can be (i) disposed in proximity to or adjacent to the perimeter of the thermal energy storage unit and/or (ii) disposed within the internal volume of the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit can comprise coils or tubes shaped to go around a perimeter of the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit can be the main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., not a side channel.
  • the fluid can flow from the article channel and towards the upstream channel, to the portion of the upstream channel responsible for the heat transfer without having to be split off or divided via a dividing junction (e.g., Y- valve), and back to the article channel for regulating temperature of the article of furniture.
  • a dividing junction e.g., Y- valve
  • the article channel and the upstream channel which comprises the heat transfer region can form a continuous fluid path for the fluid to circulate throughout the use of the article of furniture (e.g., throughout the night).
  • the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for such heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit can be a side channel that is split off or divided from a main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., via a dividing junction (e.g., Y-valve). Accordingly, operation of the dividing junction can be controlled to determine (i) a rate or an amount of the fluid to be directed from the main portion of the upstream channel to the side channel for subjecting such fluid to the heat transfer and/or (ii) a timing of the flow of the fluid from the main portion of the upstream channel to the side channel.
  • a dividing junction e.g., Y-valve
  • the side channel can be merged back to the main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., via merging junction (e.g., a Y-shaped valve), to then flow towards the article channel.
  • merging junction e.g., a Y-shaped valve
  • the side channel can be merged back to the main flow of the fluid in the upstream channel prior to being sent to the article of furniture.
  • the temperature regulator responsible for providing or storing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit may not be configured to or may not be capable of regulating temperature of the fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel as provided herein (e.g., at least a portion of the upstream channel).
  • the system can comprise at least one additional temperature regulator for regulating (e.g., increasing or decreasing) temperature of the fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel, independent of the heat transfer between the temperature regulator and the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the temperature regulator responsible for providing or storing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit can be further configured to regulate temperature of the fluid that is (e.g., while the fluid is) flowing through at least a portion of the channel as provided herein (e.g., at least a portion of the upstream channel).
  • the at least the portion of the channel can be the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the at least the portion of the channel may not be the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and/or from the thermal energy storage unit, but rather can be a different portion that is not in close proximity to (e.g., no adjacent to, downstream to, downstream relative to, etc.) the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the temperature regulator e.g., a common temperature regulator
  • the temperature regulator can be disposed in sufficient proximity to both (i) the thermal energy storage unit to provide/store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit and (ii) the at least the portion of the channel to regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel.
  • one or more heat transfer medium e.g., heat transfer channels, such as one or more channels carrying a material that can carry/transfer heat
  • Operation (e.g., flow) of the heat transfer medium between the temperature regulator and the target can be controlled (e.g., selectively control) to determine when to (i) provide/store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit and (ii) regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel.
  • the thermal energy storage unit can direct flow of a portion of its material (e.g., phase change material) in proximity to the temperature regulator (e.g., via side channel that can be opened and closed via a valve) to control when to provide/store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit.
  • the at least the portion of the channel can be a side channel that is coupled to a main portion of the upstream channel as provided herein (e.g., via a valve) to control when to regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel.
  • temperature of the material (e.g., fluid) in the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., reservoir) and temperature of the fluid flowing in at least a portion of the channel can be regulated at the same time or at different times (e.g., at daytime and at night time, respectively).
  • the temperature regulator can be configured to (e.g., via a computer processor) provide or store thermal energy to the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., cool down or freeze at least a portion of the material in the thermal energy storage unit) at a first time when the user is likely not using the article of furniture.
  • the first time can be a daytime, e.g., between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.) local time.
  • the daytime can be at least or at most at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11 :30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:3 p.m., 1 p.m., 1 :30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9 p.m.
  • the temperature regulator e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit
  • a different temperature regulator can be configured to (e.g., via a computer processor) regulate (e.g., decrease or increase) temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel (e.g., side channel or main upstream channel) at a second time when the user is likely using the article of furniture.
  • the second time can be a night time, e.g., between about 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • the night time can be at least or at most at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11 p.m., 11 :30 p.m., 12:00 a.m., 12:30 a.m., 1 a.m., 1 :30 a.m., 2 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 10:30 a.m
  • thermal energy can be stored in the thermal energy storage unit by subjecting (e.g., cooling) the material (e.g., liquid such as water) in the thermal energy storage unit to a first target temperature, e.g., by the temperature regulator.
  • the material e.g., liquid such as water
  • the first target temperature can be at most about 10 degrees Celsius (°C), 9 °C, 8 °C, 7 °C, 6 °C, 5 °C, 4 °C, 3 °C, 2 °C, 1 °C, 0 °C, -1 °C, -2 °C, -3 °C, -4 °C, -5 °C, -6 °C, -7 °C, -8 °C, -9 °C, -10 °C, -15 °C, or -20 °C.
  • the first target temperature can range between about -20 °C and about 10 °C, between about -15 °C and about 10 °C, between about -10 °C and about 10 °C, between about -5 °C and 10 °C, or between about -5 °C and about 5 °C.
  • temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel can be regulated to (e.g., cooled to) a second target temperature, e.g., by the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator.
  • a second target temperature e.g., by the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator.
  • the second target temperature can be at least about 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, 20 °C, 21 °C, 22 °C, 23 °C, 24 °C, 25 °C, 26 °C, 27 °C, 28 °C, 29 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, or 40 °C.
  • the second target temperature can be between about 15 °C and about 40 °C, between about 15 °C and about 35 °C, between about 15 °C and about 30 °C, between about 15 °C and about 25 °C, between about 20 °C and about 40 °C, between about 20 °C and about 35 °C, or between about 20 °C and about 30 °C.
  • the second target temperature can be greater than the first target temperature by at least about 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, or 30 °C.
  • a volume of the material (e.g., liquid such as reserve liquid in use for thermal energy storage, or solidified variant thereof such as ice) in the thermal energy storage unit can be at least or at most about 1 liter, 2 liters, 3 liters, 4 liters, 5 liters, 6 liters, 7 liters, 8 liters, 9 liters, or 10 liters.
  • the volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit can be between about 1 liter and about 10 liters, between about 1 liter and about 9 liters, between about 1 liter and about 8 liters, between about 1 liter and about 7 liters, between about 1 liter and about 6 liters, between about 1 liter and about 5 liters, between about 1 liter and about 4 liters, between about 1 liter and about 3 liters, between about 1 liter and about 2 liters, between about 2 liters and about 10 liters, between about 2 liters and about 9 liters, between about 2 liters and about 8 liters, between about 2 liters and about 7 liters, between about 2 liters and about 6 liters, between about 2 liters and about 5 liters, between about 2 liters and about 4 liters, between about 2 liters and about 3 liters, between about 4 liters and about 10 liters, between about 4 liters and about 9 liters.
  • the volume of the material (e.g., liquid such as reserve liquid in use for thermal energy storage) in the thermal energy storage unit can be sufficient to provide thermal heat capacity of at least or at most about 10 kilojoules per kilogram (kJ/kg), 20 kJ/kg, 30 kJ/kg, 40 kJ/kg, 50 kJ/kg, 60 kJ/kg, 70 kJ/kg, 80 kJ/kg, 90 kJ/kg, 100 kJ/kg, 120 kJ/kg, 150 kJ/kg, 200 kJ/kg, 250 kJ/kg, 300 kJ/kg, 350 kJ/kg, 400 kJ/kg, 450 kJ/kg, 500 kJ/kg, 600 kJ/kg, 700 kJ/kg, 800 kJ/kg, 900 kJ/kg, 1,000 kJ/kg, 1,100 kJ/kg, 1,200 kJ/kg, 1,300 kJ/kg,
  • the temperature regulator e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit
  • a different temperature regulator can be configured to decrease the temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel, e.g., by at least or at most about 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, or 20 °C.
  • generation of thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module can comprise decreasing the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage module (e.g., making a fluid colder or into ice).
  • thermal energy as provided herein can be sufficient to decrease a temperature (or cool) of a target fluid.
  • generation of thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module can comprise increase the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage module.
  • thermal energy as provided herein can be sufficient to increase a temperature (or heat) of a target fluid.
  • thermal energy or thermal storage as provided herein can refer to thermal heat capacity needed for receiving heat from a liquid to cool the liquid.
  • the thermal energy storage module comprising a phase change material (e.g., cooled liquid or ice thereof) can be utilized to absorb waste heat from one or more components (e.g., pump(s), temperature regulator(s), computer processor(s), etc.) of the system that are adjacent to the thermal energy storage module.
  • the waste heat can be absorbed by the phase change material (e.g., the cooled liquid or ice) in the thermal energy storage module, to minimize heat dissipating to the environment/surrounding of the article of furniture and minimize environment temperature change (e.g., room temperature change) over the use of the article of furniture.
  • the material can be a fluid such as liquid (e.g., water) or gas.
  • phase change material can be a phase change material (e.g., water).
  • the phase change material can include an organic material, such as, for example carbohydrates or lipids.
  • the organic phase change material include Laurie acid, TME(63%)/H2O(37%), Paraffin 14-Carbons, Paraffin 15-Carbons, Paraffin 16-Carbons, Paraffin 17-Carbons, Paraffin 18-Carbons, Paraffin 19-Carbons, Paraffin 20-Carbons, Paraffin 21-Carbons, Paraffin 22-Carbons, Paraffin 23-Carbons, Paraffin 24-Carbons, Paraffin 25- Carbons, Paraffin 26-Carbons, Paraffin 27-Carbons, Paraffin 28-Carbons, Paraffin 29-Carbons, Paraffin 30-Carbons, Paraffin 31-Carbons, Paraffin 32-Carbons, Paraffin 33-Carbons, Paraffin 34-Carbons, Formic acid, Caprilic acid, Glycerin,
  • the phase change material can include inorganic materials, such as, for example, salts (e.g., salt hydrates), inorganic eutectics, or hygroscopic materials.
  • inorganic phase change material include water, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4.10H2O), NaCl.Na2SO4.10H2O, Mn(NO3)2.6H2O/MnC12.4H2O(4%), Na2SiO3.5H2O, Aluminium, Copper, Gold, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Silver, Titanium, Zinc, NaNO3, NaNO2, NaOH, KN03, KOH, NaOH/Na2CO3(7.2%), Na.Cl(26.8%)/NaOH, NaCl/KCL(32.4%)/LiCl(32.8%), NaCl(5.7%)/NaNO3(85.5%)/Na2SO4, NaCl/NaNO3(5.0%), NaCl(5.0%), NaCl(5.0%),
  • a machine learning algorithm can be trained based at least in part of the thermal energy data to determine a target amount of thermal energy that needs to be stored in the thermal energy storage module.
  • the target amount of thermal energy can be a general target amount for each day or each use of the article of furniture.
  • the target amount of thermal energy can be specific for each day of the week, each week of the month, each month, each season of the year (e.g., spring, summer, fall, winter), geolocation of the article of furniture (e.g., weather of the geolocation), etc.
  • Non-limiting examples of machine learning algorithms can include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, self-learning, feature learning, anomaly detection, association rules, etc.
  • the classifier can be trained by using one or more learning models on such training dataset.
  • learning models can include artificial neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks, U-net architecture neural network, etc.), backpropagation, boosting, decision trees, support vector machines, regression analysis, Bayesian networks, genetic algorithms, kernel estimators, conditional random field, random forest, ensembles of classifiers, minimum complexity machines (MCM), probably approximately correct learning (PACT), etc.
  • Example 2 Non-limiting examples of the fluid channel systems for thermal energy storage and methods thereof are illustrated in Example 2, Example 4, Example 5, and Example 6 below.
  • Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.
  • the system may comprise an article of furniture.
  • the article of furniture may be operatively coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., at least one user sensor) configured to detect one or more biological signals of at least one user of the article of furniture (e.g., while the at least one user is on the article of furniture).
  • the one or more biological signals that are detected may be used for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the at least one sensor may be a part of the article of furniture. Alternatively, the at least one sensor may not be a part of the article of furniture.
  • the system may comprise a temperature control device (or a temperature controller, as used interchangeably herein) configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature control device may be operatively coupled to the article of furniture.
  • the temperature control device may not be coupled to the article of furniture.
  • at least a portion of the temperature control device may be coupled to the article of furniture (e.g., may be disposed above or beneath the article of furniture, may be disposed within the article of furniture, etc.).
  • FIG. l is a diagram of an example article of furniture, specifically a bed device (e.g., a mattress or a bed pad), according to one embodiment.
  • Any number of sensors (or user sensors) 140, 150 monitor the bio signals associated with a user, such as the heart rate, the respiration rate, the temperature, motion, or presence, associated with the user.
  • Any number of environment sensors 160, 170 monitor environment properties, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity.
  • the user sensors 140, 150 and the environment sensors 160, 170 communicate their measurements to the processor 100.
  • the environment sensors 160, 170 measure the properties of the environment that the environment sensors 160, 170 are associated with. In one embodiment, the environment sensors 160, 170 are placed next to the bed.
  • the processor 100 determines, based on the bio signals associated with the user, historical bio signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, or the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send the control signal to a bed device 120.
  • the processor 100 is connected to a database 180, which stores the biological signals associated with a user or plurality of users of said article of furniture (e.g., the bed device). Additionally, the database 180 can store average biological signals associated with the user, history of biological signals associated with a user, etc.
  • the database 180 can be associated with a user, or the database 180 can be associated with article of furniture (e.g., the bed device).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of at least a portion of the components (e.g., layers) of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed pad device) of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.
  • the bed pad device 120 is a pad that can be placed on top of the mattress.
  • Bed pad device 120 comprises a plurality of portions (e.g., a plurality of layers).
  • a top portion (e.g., a top layer) 350 comprises fabric.
  • Another portion (e.g., another layer) 240 comprises a matrix (e.g., a batting) and a sensor (e.g., a sensor strip) 330.
  • a different portion (e.g., a different layer) 220 may be at least a portion of a temperature control device.
  • the layer 220 comprises coils for cooling or heating the bed device.
  • the layer 220 may comprise a fluid in a fluid flow channel for cooling or heating the article of furniture.
  • a layer 210 comprises waterproof material.
  • the layer 220 comprises a material (e.g., solid, semi-solid, gel, liquid, or a combination thereof) that can be heated or cooled from about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 50 °C.
  • the material may be heated or cooled from about 0.5 °C to about 50 °C without changing the materials properties such as the state of matter.
  • the materials properties may change during heating or cooling, and such materials properties may be reversible.
  • the material can be cooled from about 10 °C to about 50 °C without changing the materials properties such as the state of matter.
  • An example of such materials can be air, water, argon, a synthetic material such as polymers, carbon nanotubes, etc.
  • the layer 220 is connected to an external thermal regulator which heats or cools the material, based on the signal received from the processor.
  • the material of the layer 220 may be heated or cooled to a temperature in a range between about 10°C to about 50°C.
  • a temperature of such material that may be adjusted by at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, or more.
  • the temperature of such material that may be adjusted by at most about 50°C, 49°C, 48°C, 47°C, 46°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C, or less.
  • the external thermal regulator may be a part of a temperature control device that is operatively coupled to the article of furniture.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to one embodiment.
  • the process obtains a biological signal associated with a user, such as presence in bed, motion, respiration rate, heart rate, or a temperature.
  • the process obtains the biological signal from a sensor associated with a user.
  • the process obtains environment property, such as the amount of ambient light and the bed temperature.
  • the process obtains environment property from, and environment sensor associated with the bed device.
  • the process sends a control signal to the bed device.
  • the control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with the user.
  • the control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to a user-specified temperature.
  • the process sends a control signal to the bed device to cool the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with the user.
  • the control signal comprises an instruction to cool the bed device to a user- specified temperature.
  • the process obtains a history of biological signals associated with the user.
  • the history of biological signals can be stored in a database associated with the bed device, or in a database associated with a user.
  • the history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime the user went to sleep for each day of the week; that is, the history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.
  • the process determines the average bedtime associated with the user for that day of the week, and sends the control signal to the bed device, allowing enough time for the bed to reach the desired temperature, before the average bedtime associated with the user.
  • the control signal comprises an instruction to heat or cool the bed to a desired temperature.
  • the desired temperature may be automatically determined, such as by averaging the historical nightly temperature associated with a user, or the desired temperature may be specified by the user.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment.
  • the process obtains the compound bio signal associated with the user.
  • the compound bio signal comprises the heart rate associated with the user, and the respiration rate associated with the user.
  • the process obtains the compound bio signal from a sensor associated with the user.
  • the process extracts the heart rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing low pass filtering on the compound bio signal.
  • the process extracts the respiration rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing bandpass filtering on the compound bio signal.
  • the process obtains an environment property, comprising temperature, humidity, light, sound from an environment sensor associated with the sensor strip.
  • the process determines whether the user is sleeping. If the user is sleeping, the process, at block 1050, turns an appliance off. For example, if the user is asleep and the environment temperature is above the average nightly temperature, the process turns off the thermostat. Further, if the user is asleep and the lights are on, the process turns off the lights. Similarly, if the user is asleep and the TV is on, the process turns off the TV.
  • the processor 1100 determines, based on the current biological signals associated with the user, historical biological signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, and the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send the control signal to an appliance 1120, 1130.
  • the processor 1100 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
  • PCS personal communication system
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • audio/video player digital camera/camcorder
  • positioning device television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
  • the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.
  • EDGE enhanced data rates for global evolution
  • GPRS general packet radio service
  • GSM global system for mobile communications
  • IMS Internet protocol multimedia subsystem
  • UMTS universal mobile telecommunications system
  • WiMAX worldwide interoperability for microwave access
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • CDMA code division multiple
  • FIG. 6 is another example of adjusting a temperature of a bed.
  • a user intending to sleep upon mattress 200 can use computing device 2005 to select a temperature setting 2015 indicating some preference to the cooling and/or heating and view last night sleep information 2020 to obtain and review information related to how the user slept.
  • hub 2040 e.g., a temperature control device or circuit
  • Temperature sensors can provide back temperature 2030 indicating the current temperature of mattress 200.
  • mattress 200 can include different zones 660 and 610, as previously discussed. This can allow for two different people (or users) sleeping upon mattress 200 to have different heating or cooling performed throughout the users' sleeping experiences. For example, one person sleeping upon zone 660 (e.g., the left side of the bed) might result in zone 660 to be heated while another person sleeping upon zone 610 (e.g., the right side of the bed) might result in zone 610 to be cooled. Thus, different portions of mattress 200 can be heated and/or cooled differently. In another example, both zones 660 and 610 might be heated, but one zone might be heated to a higher temperature than the other zone. Likewise, both zones 660 and 610 might be cooled, but one zone might be cooled to a lower temperature than the other zone.
  • a different computing device can be set or indicated by hub 2040 as being the computing device for a user sleeping upon zone 610.
  • hub 2040 can provide the computing device with the information related to the zone associated with that computing device such that different users sleeping upon the same mattress 200 would receive different information.
  • a variety of heating or cooling mechanisms other than the coils previously discussed can also be used with the techniques described herein.
  • forced directional gas e.g., air
  • liquid e.g., water
  • thermoelectric cooling or heating
  • modifications thereof, or combinations thereof can be used for the article of furniture, such as the mattress or the mattress pad of the bed.
  • hub 2040 or mattress 200 can include a directional fan or blower that can direct air into mattress 200.
  • one or more channels e.g., baffles
  • the channel(s) may be a continuous network of channels.
  • the channel(s) can include hollow portions throughout mattress 200 that allow for the propagation or flow of fluid (e.g., liquids or gas).
  • the gas may comprise air.
  • temperature adjust 2035 can be generated by hub 2040 to adjust the forced directional air cooling mechanism (e.g., fans, air conditioning units, etc.) to provide the proper temperature.
  • a liquid e.g., water
  • the temperature of the water can be adjusted in a similar manner as the air blown into the baffle structure.
  • the liquid can be circulated from outside of mattress 200, into the channel(s) of mattress 200, absorb heat, and then pumped back out of mattress 200. This can allow for the liquid to transport the heat outside of mattress 200 and cool off outside of mattress 200.
  • the liquid can transfer heat away from mattress 200 and circulated outside of the mattress such that the heat is distributed away from mattress 200. This can result in a cooling (e.g., reduce the temperature) of mattress 200.
  • Thermoelectric temperature regulation can be implemented using an electric-based system (e.g., by a thermoelectric engine).
  • the thermoelectric engine can be configured to convert electrical energy into a heat flux (or a temperature difference) or convert the heat flux into electrical energy.
  • the thermoelectric engine can be a solid-state device.
  • the article of furniture e.g., the bed
  • can comprise the thermoelectric engine in the article of furniture e.g., in the mattress or mattress pad
  • Such thermoelectric engine may or may not have moving parts (e.g., fans, pumping parts, etc.), and may be quieter than liquid or air cooling.
  • thermoelectric engine to adjust the temperature of mattress 200 can comprise thermoelectric elements integrated upon printed circuit boards (PCBs) embedded within mattress 200 or a cover upon mattress 200.
  • current e.g., electrical current such as the flow of electric charge in amperes
  • a heat flux can be generated, resulting in a separation of hot temperature and cold temperature across the thermoelectric element. That is, the heat can be separated to one side of the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric engine, resulting in one side being hotter than the other side (which is cooler than the hotter side).
  • heat or energy
  • thermoelectric elements can also be concentrated upon the areas of mattress 200 where high- temperature areas of the user sleeps, for example, parts of mattress 200 that would be underneath a user's back, shoulders, and hips similar to the baffling as described above.
  • other areas for example near the user's legs, can include fewer thermoelectric elements, or even no thermoelectric elements, because those areas might not be areas where heating or cooling are as useful.
  • different portions of mattress 200 can have different concentrations of thermoelectric elements to promote heat transfer.
  • the thermoelectric temperature regulator may or may not be part of the article of furniture.
  • the thermoelectric temperature regulator may comprise a thermoelectric engine for regulating the temperature of the fluid, and a reservoir for containing the fluid.
  • the thermoelectric engine may be separated from the reservoir, and in fluid communication with the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may regulate the temperature of the fluid.
  • the reservoir may not be configured to regulate a temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In such a case, the fluid that is contained in the reservoir may not be heated or cooled inside the reservoir.
  • phase change material can also be used to promote the transfer of heat between the user and the article of furniture, such as, for example, between the user and the mattress 200.
  • a thermoelectric engine e.g., in the absence or in combination with the fluid
  • a phase change material can be used to transfer the heat away from the side of the thermoelectric element such that it is distributed farther away from where the user sleeps (e.g., another area of mattress 200 such as below where the user sleeps, off to the side, etc.). That is, phase change material can be distributed upon or within mattress 200 such that it transports the heat from the side of the thermoelectric element that is hotter than the other, colder side away from those sleeping upon mattress 200.
  • the phase change material can also be concentrated in the portions of mattress 200 that are expected to be underneath a user's back, shoulders, and hips.
  • Other portions of mattress 200 such as the areas underneath where a user's legs would be while sleeping, can have a lower concentration of the phase change material, or no phase change material.
  • the phase change material (e.g., paraffin) can be used for thermal energy storage and, therefore, can be used to store heat away from a user's body while sleeping upon mattress 200.
  • the phase change material can be embedded within a memory foam (e.g., polyurethane) material that mattress 200 is composed of.
  • paraffin can be "sprinkled" throughout the memory foam such that mattress 200 includes a layer of memory foam impregnated with paraffin as the phase change material.
  • a bladder or enclosure e.g., made of rubber, plastic, etc.
  • the phase change material e.g., paraffin
  • the temperature can be determined to be outside of a threshold range.
  • hub 2040 in FIG. 6 can receive a temperature 2030 from the sensors (e.g., the temperature sensors). Hub 2040 might try to regulate the temperature of mattress 200 to be within a certain range. If temperature 2030 is below that range, then that might mean that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is cold. If temperature 2030 is above that range, then that might mean that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is hot.
  • the threshold temperature may be a pre-determined temperature (e.g., a temperature suggested by physician, an average temperature of the user while using the article of furniture, etc.).
  • the threshold temperature may be a pre-assigned temperature by the user.
  • hub 2040 can determine that the temperature 2030 is beneath the threshold temperature range, meaning that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is too cold.
  • the current provided to the thermoelectric elements can be reduced at block 2115.
  • hub 2040 can provide temperature adjust 2035 by providing a lower current than what it was providing before. This can result in the current provided to the thermoelectric elements to be reduced, resulting in a lower voltage across those thermoelectric elements.
  • thermoelectric regulator (i) directly regulate a temperature of the article of furniture, or (ii) regulates a temperature of a fluid that flows through the channel(s) of the article of furniture, thereby to adjust the heat distribution in the article of furniture.
  • hub 2040 is continuously or periodically (e.g., every second, every minute, every ten minutes, every time a motion upon mattress 200 is detected, every time snoring is heard, etc.) receiving and analyzing temperature 2030 and adjusting temperature adjust 2035 to heat or cool mattress 200 to provide a better sleeping experience.
  • thermoelectric element(s) of the thermoelectric engine(s) can be used for both cooling and heating an article of furniture (e.g., a bed or a mattress of the bed).
  • the operational mode can switch from cooling to heating, or heating to cooling.
  • Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a system for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture (e.g., to wake up a user of the article of furniture).
  • the system may comprise a sensor.
  • the sensor may be a part of the article of furniture.
  • the senor may not be a part of the article of furniture, but operatively coupled to the article of furniture.
  • the sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of the user of the article of furniture.
  • the user may be one of a plurality of users of the article of furniture, and the sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of each individual of the plurality of users.
  • the system may comprise a temperature control device operatively coupled to the article of furniture, and the temperature control device may be configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature control device may be thermally coupled to the article of furniture.
  • the temperature control device may be coupled to (e.g., in contact with) the article of furniture.
  • the system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sensors.
  • the system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 sensor(s).
  • An individual sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user.
  • an individual sensor may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of a plurality of users of the article of furniture.
  • a plurality of sensors may be operatively in communication with one another.
  • the system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more temperature control devices.
  • the system may comprise at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 temperature control device(s).
  • a plurality of temperature control devices may be operatively in communication with one another.
  • the processor may be further configured to designate the time based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user and a history of biological signal data of the user and regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture prior to the time, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.
  • the history of the biological signal data of the user may comprise one or more measurements of the user’s biological signal while using the article of furniture.
  • the history of the biological signal data of the user may comprise measurements of the user’s biological signal during a current use of the article of furniture by the user (e.g., during the current sleep of the user).
  • the history of biological signal data may comprise data measured from at least about the past 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, or more.
  • the history of biological signal data may comprise data measured from at most about the past 12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, or less.
  • the current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from about 0.1 hours to about 16 hours.
  • the current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from at least about 0.1 hours.
  • the current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from at most about 16 hours.
  • the current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from about 0.1 hours to about 0.5 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 1 hour, about 0.1 hours to about 2 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 3 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 4 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 6 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 8 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 10 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 12 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 14 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 16 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 1 hour, about 0.5 hours to about 2 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 3 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 4 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 6 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 8 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 10 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 14 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 16 hours, about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 1 hour to about 4 hours, about 1 hour to about 6 hours, about 1 hour to about 8 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1
  • the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 10 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 8 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 month year prior to the time.
  • the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 weeks year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 weeks prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 week prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 5 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 days prior to the time.
  • the biological signal of the user may comprise a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration. In some cases, the biological signal of the user may comprise two or more of: a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the biological signal of the user may comprise a temperature and at least one of: a heart signal and a respiration signal. In some cases, the biological signal of the user may comprise three or more of: a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the biological signal of the user may comprise a temperature, a heart signal, and a respiration signal.
  • the processor may identify the user from the plurality of users based on a heart signal (e.g., amplitude and/or frequency of the heart signal) and/or a respiration signal (e.g., amplitude and/or frequency of the respiration signal).
  • a heart signal e.g., amplitude and/or frequency of the heart signal
  • a respiration signal e.g., amplitude and/or frequency of the respiration signal
  • the processor may use a piezo sensor to detect the heart signal and/or the respiration signal. The detected heart signal and/or the respiration signal may be compared to a plurality of historical data of the heart signal and/or the respiration signal of the plurality of users to identify the user from the plurality of users of said article of furniture.
  • the plurality of historical data of the heart signal and/or the respiration signal may be stored in one or more databases that are operatively in communication with the processor of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may use detect and/or confirm a presence of a user based on a temperature of a surface of the article of furniture detected by the sensor.
  • the processor may use a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the surface of the article of furniture. In an example, if the processor detects a sudden change in the temperature of the surface of the article of furniture, such data may indicate a start or end of a use of the article of furniture by one or more users.
  • the article of furniture may comprise both the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor, wherein the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed on opposite sides of a layer of the article of furniture (e.g., on opposite surfaces of a layer of the bed device).
  • the temperature control device may comprise a temperature regulatable mat and a controller to regulate a temperature of the mat.
  • the controller may or may not be a part of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature regulatable mat may be a part of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature regulatable mat may be disposed at a distance away from the temperature sensor, such that the temperature sensor does not read a temperature of the temperature regulatable mat.
  • the temperature regulatable mat may be on or adjacent to the layer comprising the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and the temperature regulatable mat may be on opposite sides of the layer.
  • the temperature sensor and the temperature regulatable mat may be a same side of the layer, but with sufficient spacing and/or insulation in between.
  • the at least one sensor of the article of furniture may be configured to detect a first biological signal and a second biological signal of the user.
  • the first biological and the second biological signal of the user may be different types of biological signals of the user.
  • the processor may be configured to (i) determine a presence of the user on the article of furniture based on the first biological signal, (ii) identify the user from a plurality of users of the article of furniture based on the second biological signal, and (iii) designate the time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based on the user’s identity.
  • the first biological signal may be a temperature of the user.
  • the second biological signal may be a heart signal of the user.
  • the second biological signal may be a breathing signal of the user.
  • the at least one sensor of said article of furniture may be configured to detect a first biological signal of a first user of said article of furniture and a second biological signal of a second user of said article of furniture.
  • the processor may be configured to (i) identify the first user from the first user and the second user based on the first biological signal, and designate a first time for the article of furniture to wake up the first user based on said first user’s identity, and (ii) identify the second user from the first user and the second user based on the second biological signal, and designate a second time for the article of furniture to wake up the second user based on the second user’s identity.
  • the first time and the second time may be the same or different.
  • the circadian rhythm of the user may be generated by the article of furniture (e.g., by the processor of the article of furniture) by using (i) one or more sensors (e.g., the at least one sensor of the article of furniture) to detect one or more biological signals of the user, and/or (ii) one or more additional sensors (e.g., a wearable sensor) associated with the user.
  • the wearable sensor may comprise a smart watch.
  • the processor may be further configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part on weather condition (e.g., snow, rain, earthquake, hurricane, etc.) of the geolocation, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.
  • weather condition e.g., snow, rain, earthquake, hurricane, etc.
  • the processor may be further configured to obtain a current and/or projected traffic condition at or adjacent to the geolocation.
  • the processor may be further configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part on the current and/or projected traffic condition, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may adjust a wake-up time of the user depending on how heavy or light the traffic condition may be in the morning. In an example, if the traffic condition is projected to be bad from 7 A.M. to 9 A.M., the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user before 7 A.M.
  • the processor may comprise or may be operatively coupled to a global positioning system (GPS) to retrieve data with respect to the geolocation of the article of furniture and/or the user of the article of furniture.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the processor may be coupled to the GPS via a wireless signal (e.g., near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or a cable connection (e.g., USB 2.0, USC-C, micro-USB, etc.).
  • the processor may be operatively coupled to a user device (e.g., via a wireless signal or a cable connection).
  • Examples of the user device may include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a smart glass, etc.
  • the user device may comprise or may be operatively coupled to the GPS, and the processor may retrieve data with respect to the geolocation of the article of furniture and/or the user through the user device.
  • the processor, the GPS, and/or the user device may be operatively coupled to (1) a weather database (e.g., National Weather Service, AccuWeather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and/or forecasted weather conditions of the geolocation, and/or (2) a traffic database (e.g., Department of Transportation, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Sygic, MapQuest, INRIX Traffic, HERE WeGo, inRoute, Glob, Scout, ETA, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and/or forecasted ground (e.g., cars, buses, subways, trains, rental bikes, rental scooters, etc.) and/or air transportation traffic conditions at or near the geolocation.
  • a weather database e.g., National Weather Service, AccuWeather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, etc.
  • a traffic database e.g., Department of Transportation, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Sygic, MapQuest, INRIX Traffic,
  • the processor may retrieve data with respect to one or more future events (or one or more planned events) of the user through the user device (e.g., from a calendar or scheduling application that is operatively coupled to the user device).
  • the processor may be further configured to determine a wake-up time of the user of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to regulate (e.g., change) the temperature of the article of furniture before the determined wake-up time of the user, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture at or around the determined wake-up time of the user.
  • the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 60 minutes, or more prior to the determined wake-up time of the user.
  • the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at most 60 minutes, 55 minutes, 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes, 35 minutes, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes or less prior to the determined wake-up time of the user.
  • the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at about 30 minutes prior to the determined wake-up time of the user.
  • the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of at least about 0.1°F/hour, 0.2°F/hour, 0.3°F/hour, 0.4°F/hour, 0.5°F/hour, 0.6°F/hour, 0.7°F/hour, 0.8°F/hour, 0.9°F/hour, l°F/hour, 2°F/hour, 3°F/hour, 4°F/hour, 5°F/hour, 6°F/hour, 7°F/hour, 8°F/hour, 9°F/hour, 10°F/hour, l l°F/hour, 12°F/hour, 13°F/hour, 14°F/hour, 15°F/hour, 16°F/hour, 17°F/hour, 18°F/hour, 19°F/hour, 20°F/hour, 25°F/hour, 30°F/hour, 35°F/hour, 40°F/hour, or more.
  • the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of at most about 40°F/hour, 35°F/hour, 30°F/hour, 25°F/hour, 20°F/hour, 19°F/hour, 18°F/hour, 17°F/hour, 16°F/hour, 15°F/hour, 14°F/hour, 13°F/hour, 12°F/hour, l l°F/hour, 10°F/hour, 9°F/hour, 8°F/hour, 7°F/hour, 6°F/hour, 5°F/hour, 4°F/hour, 3°F/hour, 2°F/hour, 1 °F/hour, 0.9°F/hour, 0.8°F/hour, 0.7°F/hour, 0.6°F/hour, 0.5°F/hour, 0.4°F/hour, 0.3°F/hour, 0.2°F/hour, 0.1°F/hour, or less.
  • the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of about 10 °F/hour (or 5 °F/30 minutes) to wake up the user.
  • the processor may be configured to determine (e.g., automatically determine) the rate at which the temperature control device is to regulate (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.
  • a different sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the portion of the article of furniture (e.g., a temperature of a portion of a mattress or a mattress pad), and the processor may be configured to determine the rate based at least in part of the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may direct the temperature control device to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the article of furniture by at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 2°F, 3°F, 4°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 11°F, 12°F, 13°F, 14°F, 15 °F, 16 °F, 17 °F, 18 °F, 19 °F, 20 °F, 25°F, 30°F, 35°F, 40°F, 45°F, 50°F, or more.
  • the processor may increase and/or decrease the temperature of the article of furniture by at most about 50°F, 45°F, 40°F, 35°F, 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 19 °F, 18 °F, 17 °F, 16 °F, 15°F, 14°F, 13°F, 12°F, 11°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4°F, 3°F, 2°F, 1 °F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.
  • the processor may be configured to designate a target temperature to which the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture is to be changed to.
  • a target temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user may depend on the user (e.g., a temperature of the user during a current sleep), the environment of the article of furniture, the geolocation and weather condition around the user and the article of furniture, etc.
  • the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the user detected during a current sleep on the article of furniture. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current temperature of the user.
  • the current temperature may be a temperature of the user measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9 A.M, etc
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the user may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F,
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the user may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F,
  • the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current temperature of a portion of the article of furniture.
  • the current temperature may be a temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9
  • the current temperature may be an average or median temperature of the portion of the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user, a highest temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured during the current sleep of the user, or a lowest temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured during the current sleep of the user.
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F,
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F,
  • the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture detected during a previous sleep of the user on the article of furniture.
  • the processor may use one or more environment sensors to detect one or more environment properties (e.g., ambient temperature, light, noise, humidity, etc.) surrounding the user, and determine (i) the wake-up time, (ii) a rate of change of temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user, (iii) a target temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user, and/or (iv) duration of the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part by the detected biological signal of the user and the one or more environment properties of the user.
  • environment properties e.g., ambient temperature, light, noise, humidity, etc.
  • the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current ambient temperature the environment surrounding the article of furniture.
  • the current ambient temperature may be a temperature of the environment measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9 A.M,
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of environment surrounding the article of furniture may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F,
  • a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the environment surrounding the article of furniture may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F,
  • the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on an ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the article of furniture detected during a previous sleep of the user on the article of furniture.
  • the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise increasing and/or decreasing the temperature of the article of furniture. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may only comprise increasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may only comprise decreasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise a combination of both increasing and decreasing the temperature of the article of furniture. In an example, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise one or more phases of increasing and decreasing (and/or vice versa) the temperature of the article of furniture, with or without intermittent pauses after each phase.
  • the senor may be a part of a first portion of the article of furniture, configured to detect a biological signal of the user of the first portion of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature control device may be coupled to a second portion of the article of furniture, configured to regulate a temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be the same or different. In an example, the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be different.
  • the processor may be communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor may be configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user on the first portion of the article of furniture, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.
  • the first portion and the second portion of the article of furniture may be two opposite sides of a component of the article of furniture (e.g., a top and bottom sides of a layer of a bed device).
  • the temperature control device may be further configured to independently regulate a temperature of each of a plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • Each of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture may be sufficient for a person to use (e.g., to sleep on).
  • the processor may be further configured to (i) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) a first temperature of a first zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on a first detected biological signal of a first user on the first zone, thereby waking up the first user at a first time, and (ii) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) a second temperature of a second zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on a second detected biological signal of a second user on the second zone, thereby waking up the first user at a second time.
  • the first and second times may be the same or different. In some cases, the first and second times may be different, and waking up the first user at an earlier time point may not disrupt sleep of the second user.
  • the processor may be configured to independently: (i) designate, while a first user is asleep on the first zone of the article of furniture, a first time for the article of furniture to wake up the first user based on a first biological of the first user detected by the at least one sensor, and change a temperature of the first zone of the article of furniture prior to the first time, and (ii) designate, while a second user is asleep on the second zone of the article of furniture, a second time for the article of furniture to wake up the second user based on a second biological of the second user detected by the at least one sensor, and change a temperature of the second zone of the article of furniture prior to the second time.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an additional example of a method for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture.
  • the method may comprise providing (i) a temperature control device operatively coupled to the portion of the article of furniture, configured to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature control device (process 2810).
  • the method may comprise with aid of the processor, designating a time to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device based at least in part on a predetermined wake-up time of a user, wherein the time is prior to the predetermined wake-up time of the user (process 2820).
  • the pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the adult may be at most about 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, 16.5°C, 16°C, 15.5°C, 15°C, 14.5°C, 14°C, or less.
  • the pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for a baby (e.g., 0 to 12 months old) or a toddler (e.g., 12 to 36 months old) may range between about 17°C to about 22°C.
  • the pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the baby or toddler may be at least about 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C, 20.5°C, 21°C, 21.5°C, 22°C, or more.
  • the pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the baby or toddler may be at most about 22°C, 21.5°C, 21°C, 20.5°C, 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, or less.
  • a pre-determined temperature and/or an average of a pre-determined range of temperatures for the baby or toddler may be the same, higher, or lower than the pre-determined temperature and/or the average of the pre-determined range of temperatures for the adult, respectively.
  • the temperature of the fluid may increase and/or decrease (e.g., by the temperature regulator) at a rate ranging between about 0.01 °C per minute (°C/min) to about 5°C/min.
  • the temperature of the fluid may increase and/or decrease at a rate of at least about 0.01°C/min, 0.02°C/min, 0.03°C/min, 0.04°C/min, 0.05°C/min, 0.06°C/min, 0.07°C/min, 0.08°C/min, 0.09°C/min, 0.1°C/min, 0.2°C/min, 0.3°C/min, 0.4°C/min, 0.5°C/min, 0.6°C/min, 0.7°C/min, 0.8°C/min, 0.9°C/min, l°C/min, 2°C/min, 3°C/min, 4°C/min, 5°C/min, or more.
  • the temperature of the fluid may increase and/or decrease at a rate of at most about 5°C/min, 4°C/min, 3°C/min, 2°C/min, l°C/min, 0.9°C/min, 0.8°C/min, 0.7°C/min, 0.6°C/min, 0.5°C/min, 0.4°C/min, 0.3°C/min, 0.2 °C/min, 0.1°C/min, 0.09°C/min, 0.08°C/min, 0.07°C/min, 0.06°C/min, 0.05°C/min, 0.04°C/min, 0.03°C/min, 0.02°C/min, 0.01°C/min, or less.
  • the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid being held and/or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture within at most about 60 min, 50 min, 40 min, 30 min, 20 min, 10 min, 9 min, 8 min, 7 min, 6 min, 5 min, 4 min, 3 min, 2 min, 1 min, 0.9 min, 0.8 min, 0.7 min, 0.6 min, 0.5 min, 0.4 min, 0.3 min, 0.2 min, 0.1 min, or less.
  • the temperature regulator may not be part of the reservoir.
  • the temperature regulator may not be inside the reservoir nor configured to be in physical contact with the reservoir.
  • the temperature regulator may be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is not contained (e.g., outside of) the reservoir.
  • the temperature regulator may comprise at least about one channel (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 channels) configured to hold the fluid and/or permit flow of the fluid.
  • the at least one channel of the temperature regulator may be connected to each other.
  • the at least one channel of the temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine.
  • the system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more reservoirs.
  • the system may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 reservoir.
  • the reservoir may be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid.
  • the reservoir may comprise at least one thermal device (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more thermal devices) configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir.
  • the at least one thermal device may be inside the reservoir and/or outside the reservoir (e.g., on or adjacent to an outer side wall of the reservoir). Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least one thermal device may be part of the at least one side wall of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more exit orifices for the fluid to be drawn out.
  • the fluid that is drawn out of the reservoir e.g., through the at least one exit orifice
  • the fluid that is drawn out of the reservoir may not be configured to re-enter the reservoir.
  • a channel as provided herein can have a cross-sectional shape (e.g., perpendicular to the length of the grooves) that is circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any partial shape or combination of shapes thereof.
  • thermoplastic elastomer can include a polyamide thermoplastic elastomer (TP A), a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer (TPS), a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), a polyester thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE), a crosslinked thermoplastic rubber (TPV), and other thermoplastic elastomers (TPZ).
  • TP A polyamide thermoplastic elastomer
  • TPS polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer
  • TPU polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer
  • TPO olefinic thermoplastic elastomer
  • TPEE polyester thermoplastic elastomer
  • TPV crosslinked thermoplastic rubber
  • TPZ thermoplastic elastomers
  • a loop channel can be configured to regulate a portion of an article of furniture.
  • the fluid channel system as provided herein can comprise a plurality of loop channels (e.g., at least or at most about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 loop channels) configured to regulate different portions of the article of furniture.
  • the plurality of loop channels operatively coupled to the common thermal energy storage unit can be utilized to independently regulate temperatures of different articles of furniture (e.g., at least one loop channel for each article of furniture of the plurality of articles of furniture).
  • the system may further comprise at least one pump configured to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir.
  • the system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more pumps.
  • the system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 pump.
  • Such pump may be configured to operate via one or more energy sources, e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc.
  • Such pump may include a positive displacement pump, gear pump, screw pump, progressing cavity pump, roots-type pump, peristaltic pump, plunger pump, compressed-air-powered double-diaphragm pump, hydraulic pump, velocity pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, eductor jet pump, gravity pump, steam pump, valveless pump, etc.
  • the at least one pump may be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, a container from each of the reservoir(s), one or more temperature regulators, and/or one or more portions of the article of furniture.
  • the at least one pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid between the at least one pump and the reservoir.
  • the at least one pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump.
  • the at least one pump may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid from the at least one pump to the reservoir.
  • the at least one pump may be configured to allow flow of the fluid from the at least one pump to the reservoir.
  • the pump may be configured to separate the fluid in the temperature regulator from the fluid contained in the reservoir.
  • the pump may be configured to allow passage of the fluid in the temperature regulator back into the reservoir.
  • the pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, through the portion of the article of furniture, and to the pump.
  • the pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the portion of the article of furniture, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump.
  • the processor may be coupled to the at least one pump and programmed to control the at least one pump to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir.
  • the processor may be further configured to control the at least one pump to direct flow of the fluid between the at least one pump and the reservoir.
  • the processor may be further configured to control the at least one pump to direct flow of the fluid from the at least one pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the at least one pump.
  • the system may comprise at least one gate disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator.
  • the system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more gates.
  • the system may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 gate.
  • the gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid between the reservoir and the temperature regulator.
  • the gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid away from the reservoir and towards the temperature regulator.
  • the gate may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir.
  • the gate may be configured to allow flow of the fluid away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir.
  • the pump may be disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator, and the gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the pump.
  • Such gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid between the reservoir and the pump.
  • the gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid away from the reservoir and towards the pump.
  • the gate may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the pump and towards the reservoir.
  • the gate may be configured to allow flow of the fluid away from the pump and towards the reservoir.
  • the gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir(s), the pump(s), the temperature regulator(s), and/or the portion(s) of the article of furniture.
  • the gate may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more orifices (e.g., ports) that allow flow of the fluid in and/or out of the gate.
  • the gate may comprise at most about 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 orifice.
  • the gate may be a one-way gate, two-way gate, three-way gate, or four-way gate.
  • the gate may be a valve.
  • the valve may be a check valve, clack valve, nonreturn valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve.
  • the gate may be a gravitational gate (e.g., a gravitational valve).
  • the gravitational gate may use a force of gravity to draw the fluid away from the reservoir (e.g., out of the reservoir) and towards the pump and/or the temperature regulator.
  • the gate may further comprise an air purge orifice.
  • the air purge orifice may be coupled to an air purge channel.
  • the air purge orifice and/or the air purge channel may be configured to purge (or remove) air in the gate and/or any other components (e.g., one or more channels) of the system that is configured to hold or permit flow of the fluid.
  • the air purge orifice and/or the air purge channel may prevent leakage of the fluid from the system.
  • the gate may be in fluid communication with (i) the air purge channel, (ii) a channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the portion of the article of furniture, (iii) the channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the reservoir, and (iv) the channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the pump.
  • the abovementioned four channels may be coupled to the gate vertically, in a descending order (e.g., from top to bottom) of (i) the air purge channel, (ii) the gate-article of furniture channel, (iii) the gate-reservoir channel), and (iv) the gate-pump channel.
  • the portion of the article of furniture may comprise at least one channel configured to hold the fluid and/or permit flow of the fluid.
  • the portion of the article of furniture may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more channels.
  • the portion of the article of furniture may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 channel.
  • the channel(s) of the portion of the particle of furniture may comprise a plurality of interconnected channels configured to hold the fluid and/or permit flow of the fluid.
  • the plurality of interconnected channels may be in a mesh (or porous) network structure, thereby to help the article of furniture to breathe.
  • the channel(s) may be a fluid circulating mat (e.g., a water circulating mat).
  • the portion of the article may comprise an entry orifice for the fluid to enter flow the portion of the article (e.g., from the gate, pump, and/or the temperature regulator).
  • the entry orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and/or the temperature regulator.
  • the portion of the article may comprise an exit orifice for the fluid to flow out of the portion of the article (e.g., towards the gate, pump, and/or the temperature regulator).
  • the exit orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and/or the temperature regulator.
  • the entry orifice and/or the exit orifice may comprise a gate (e.g., a valve) to allow or prevent flow of the fluid.
  • the article of furniture may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more portions.
  • the article of furniture may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 portion.
  • Each of a plurality of portions of the article of furniture may correspond to a zone for each user to seat, rest, or sleep on.
  • Each of the plurality of portions of the article of furniture may correspond to different areas that would be in contact or adjacent to different portions of a user’s body (e.g., feet, legs, butt, arms, back, neck, head, etc.).
  • Temperatures of the plurality of portions of the article of furniture may be regulated independently or in unison.
  • different zones of the bed may be set (e.g., by the processor) at different temperatures for different users.
  • different zones of the bed may be set (e.g., by the processor) at different temperatures for different bodily parts of a user.
  • the system may further comprise an additional portion of the article of furniture configured to hold the fluid.
  • the portion of the article of furniture and the additional portion of the article of furniture may be different.
  • the additional portion of the article of furniture may be in fluid communication with the temperature regulator.
  • the additional portion of the article of furniture may be in fluid communication with an additional temperature regulator configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid.
  • the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be different.
  • the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may not be in fluid communication with each other.
  • the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with each other.
  • the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with the reservoir.
  • the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with a common (or a same) reservoir.
  • the processor may be operatively coupled to the additional temperature regulator.
  • the processor may be further programmed to control the additional temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby to regulate a temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may be further programmed to independently control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator, thereby to independently regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may be further programmed to control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator in union, thereby to regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture in unison.
  • the system may further comprise a sensor to detect a property of the fluid.
  • the sensor may be a temperature sensor.
  • the sensor may be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid.
  • the sensor may be part of the gate (e.g., the valve), the pump, the temperature regulator, the portion of the article of furniture, or one or more channels (e.g., a water loop) configured to hold and/or allow flow of the fluid.
  • the system may further comprise at least one heat sink configured to absorb heat from its surrounding.
  • the at least one heat sink may be disposed on or adjacent to the temperature regulator (e.g., the thermoelectric engine).
  • the system may comprise at least about
  • the system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,
  • the heat sink(s) may be configured to absorb heat from the temperature regulator.
  • the system may further comprise at least one fan (e.g., a dual fan) configured to regulate temperature of one or more components of the system.
  • the system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more fans.
  • the system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 fan.
  • the fan(s) may be configured to blow or pull air across the heat sink(s) to regulate temperature of the heat sink(s). Operation of the fan(s) may not impact the operation of the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid. Operation of the fan(s) may not impact the operation of the sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor) configured to detect the property (e.g., temperature) of the fluid.
  • the sensor e.g., the temperature sensor
  • the system may further comprise an additional portion of the article of furniture that includes at least one sensor that is (i) operatively coupled to the processor and (ii) configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user of the article of furniture.
  • the biological signal comprises a heart signal (e.g., a heart rate), a respiration signal (e.g., a respiration rate), a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration of the at least one user of the article of furniture.
  • the processor may be configured to determine a shape of the heart signal, at least based in part on the amplitude and/or frequency of the heart signal.
  • the processor may be configured to determine a shape of the respiration signal, at least based in part on the amplitude and/or frequency of the respiration signal.
  • the channel(s) disclosed herein may comprise fluid-insoluble (e.g., water-insoluble) materials.
  • the channel(s) may comprise a polymeric material, metallic material, ceramic material, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof.
  • the polymeric material include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl carbonate, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymer, methacrylate copolymer, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof.
  • the processor may pre-warm or pre-cool the fluid, thereby to pre-warm or pre-cool the portion of the article of furniture. Pre-warming or precooling the portion of the article of furniture may help equilibration between the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the user. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user may pre-set a desired temperature and a desired time for the control to preadjust the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture to the desired temperature at the desired time.
  • the system may comprise a sensor operatively coupled to the processor and configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user of the article of furniture. Such sensor may not be part of the article of furniture.
  • the sensor may be a smart watch or a fitness tracker.
  • the at least one user may be wearing the sensor.
  • the processor may be further configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user.
  • the biological signal may be a temperature of the at least one user
  • the processor may be further configured to modulate (e.g., increase or decrease) a temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid (e.g., the that is being held or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture) and the temperature of the at least one user.
  • the processor may be further configured to apply a preset temperature setting (or temperature profile) to the temperature regulator, thereby to apply a preset temperature setting to the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the preset temperature setting may be based on bio feedback of the user.
  • the biofeedback may be provided by the user or determined by the processor using the user’s detected biological signal and/or identity. Examples of the bio feedback include pregnancy, menopause, fever, illness, fatigue, cancer, sleep disorder, heart conditions, or other physical conditions.
  • the processor may be further configured to connect (i) the user and any data collected and/or created by the processor for the user and (ii) a physician.
  • the physician may be able to use the user interface on the physician’s personal device to evaluate (i) the biological signal of the at least one user, (ii) a sleep pattern of the at least one user based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user over a period of time, and/or (iii) a temperature setting of the portion of the article of furniture over the period of time.
  • the processor may utilize the GUI on the user’s personal device and the physician’s personal device to allow the user and the physician to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, images, videos, etc.). Such GUI may reduce a time for the user to consult with a doctor to discuss the user’s biological signal, sleep pattern, and/or physical condition.
  • the processor may be capable of employing artificial intelligence (e.g., one or more machine learning algorithms) to analyze a database comprising a plurality of biological signals, sleep patterns, and/or temperature settings of the article of furniture of a plurality of users.
  • artificial intelligence e.g., one or more machine learning algorithms
  • One or more machine learning algorithms of the artificial intelligence may be capable of comparing a plurality of data within the database and creating a group of two or more users based on the comparison.
  • the processor may be operatively coupled to other components and their configurations described in the aforementioned system for regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the temperature regulating tower may comprise one or more reservoirs, one or more valve(s), one or more temperature regulators, one or more pumps, or a combination thereof.
  • the components of the temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication (directly or indirectly) with each other.
  • the temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication with the article of furniture, such as, for example, one or more portions of the article of furniture (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more portions of the article of furniture).
  • the temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication with a plurality of articles of furniture (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more beds).
  • a common temperature regulating tower that comprises a common reservoir and two or more temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with two or more articles of furniture to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the two or more articles of furniture.
  • a common temperature regulating tower that comprises a common reservoir and a plurality of temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with a plurality of beds (e.g., a plurality of babyterms) to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the plurality of beds.
  • an article of furniture may be in fluid communication with one or more temperature regulating towers.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) the portion of the article of furniture capable of holding a fluid, and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of modulating a temperature of the fluid; and (b) controlling, by a computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the method disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the method may further comprise controlling, by the computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is not in the reservoir (or not in the container of the reservoir).
  • the temperature of the fluid may or may not be modulated in the reservoir.
  • the computer system may comprise a computer program product comprising a non- transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable code encoded therein, the computer-executable code adapted to be executed to implement the abovementioned method regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the system comprising: the article of furniture comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first and second portions is configured to hold a fluid; a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with the first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with the second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid; and a processor operatively coupled to the common temperature controller, programmed to control the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby to independently regulate a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the system disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be different.
  • the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be used (e.g., occupied) by a common user (or a same user).
  • the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be used (e.g., occupied) by different users.
  • the common temperature controller may comprise a reservoir in fluid communication with the first and second channels of the common temperature controller, which reservoir may be configured to contain the fluid.
  • the reservoir may or may not be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid.
  • the common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first temperature regulator in fluid communication with the first channel and configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid, and/or (ii) a second temperature regulator in fluid communication with the second channel and configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid.
  • the first and second temperature regulators may or may not be part of the reservoir.
  • the first and/or second temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine.
  • the first temperature generator and the second temperature generator may or may not be in fluid communication with each other.
  • the common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first pump in fluid communication with the first channel, configured to direct flow of the fluid between the first channel and the first portion of the article of furniture, and/or (ii) a second pump in fluid communication with the second channel, configured to direct flow of the fluid between the second channel and the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the first pump may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the first channel of the common temperature controller) with the reservoir, the first temperature regulator, and/or the first portion of the article of furniture.
  • the second pump may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the second channel of the common temperature regulator) with the reservoir, the second temperature regulator, and/or the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the first pump and the second pump may or may not be in communication with each other.
  • the common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first gate disposed between the reservoir and the first temperature regulator, which first gate is configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the first temperature regulator and towards the reservoir, and/or (ii) a second gate disposed between the reservoir and the second temperature regulator, which second gate is configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the second temperature regulator and towards the reservoir.
  • the first gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the first pump, which first pump is disposed between the first pump and the first temperature regulator.
  • the second gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the second pump, which second pump is disposed between the second gate and the second temperature generator.
  • the first gate may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the first channel of the common temperature controller) with the reservoir, the first pump, the first temperature generator, and/or the first portion of the article of furniture.
  • the second gate may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the second channel of the common temperature regulator) with the reservoir, the second pump, the second temperature generator, and/or the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the first gate and the second gate may or may not be in communication with each other.
  • the present disclosure provides a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second portions of the article of furniture are configured to hold a fluid, and wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture.
  • the method disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.
  • FIGs. 9A to 9D schematically illustrate examples of a system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed, mattress, or mattress pad), which system comprises a fluid loop (e.g., one water loop).
  • a system 2300 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315.
  • the system 2300 comprises a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2300 comprises a temperature regulator 2340 that is in fluid communication with the pump 2330 (and thus, in indirect fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310).
  • the temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and/or decrease) of the fluid 2320.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 may comprise a thermoelectric engine.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and to the temperature regulator 2340.
  • the system 2300 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and/or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355.
  • the channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the pump 2330.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360 to the temperature regulator 2340.
  • the fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2300 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, and back to the pump 2330.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to draw fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 into the fluid loop.
  • the pump 2330 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and/or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2300 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2300 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • a system 2301 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315.
  • the system 2301 comprises a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2301 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and/or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355.
  • the channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and to the channel 2360.
  • the system 2301 comprises a temperature regulator 2341 that is in fluid communication with the channel 2360 and the pump 2331.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and/or decrease) of the fluid 2320.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 may comprise a thermoelectric engine.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2341 to the channel 2360.
  • the fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2301 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to draw fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 into the fluid loop.
  • the pump 2331 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and/or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2301 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2301 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • a system 2302 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid.
  • a container 2315 e.g., a removable or non-removable container
  • the system 2302 comprises a valve 2370 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the valve 2370 may be a gravitational valve that only allows a flow of the fluid 2320 in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2370.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 may comprise a thermoelectric engine.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and to the temperature regulator 2340.
  • the system 2302 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and/or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355.
  • the channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the valve 2370.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2302 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2302 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • a system 2303 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid.
  • a container 2315 e.g., a removable or non-removable container
  • the system 2303 comprises a valve 2371 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the valve 2371 may be a gravitational valve that only allows a flow of the fluid 2320 in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2371.
  • the valve 2371 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2303 comprises a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the valve 2371.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371.
  • the system 2303 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320.
  • the fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and/or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355.
  • the channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and to the channel 2360.
  • the system 2303 comprises a temperature regulator 2341 that is in fluid communication with the channel 2360 and the valve 2371.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and/or decrease) of the fluid 2320.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 may comprise a thermoelectric engine.
  • the valve 2371 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2341 and towards the pump 2331.
  • the fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2303 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371, to the pump 2331, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the valve 2371.
  • the valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravitational force) fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 into the fluid loop.
  • the valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and/or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310.
  • the system 2303 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2303 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • At least two of the fluid loops may be combined into a common system, which common system comprises a common reservoir.
  • the common system may comprise a common article of furniture (e.g., one bed).
  • the at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with the common article of furniture (e.g., in fluid communication with at least two different portions of the common article of furniture).
  • the at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with the common reservoir.
  • a processor may be configured to control (independently or in unison) the at least two fluid loops to modulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid loops, thereby to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the at least two different portions of the common article of furniture.
  • the common system may comprise at least two of articles of furniture (e.g., at least two beds). Each of the at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with each of the at least two articles of furniture.
  • the processor may be configured to control (independently or in unison) the at least two fluid loops to modulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid loops, thereby to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the at least two articles of furniture.
  • the at least two fluid loops in fluid communication with the common reservoir may have a same direction or different directions of fluid flow. Examples of such system comprising the common reservoir and the at least two fluid loops are illustrated in FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B schematically illustrate examples of a system for regulating temperatures of two portions of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed, mattress, or mattress pad), which system comprises two fluid loops (e.g., two water loops).
  • the system 2400 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315.
  • the system 2400 comprises two fluid loops that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the two fluid loops may or may not be in fluid communication with each other.
  • the reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid loops of the system 2400.
  • the first fluid loop comprises (i) the pump 2330, (ii) the temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) the channel 2360 of the portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop, from the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360, and back to the pump 2330.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop.
  • the second loop may comprise features that may or may not be identical to the first loop.
  • the second fluid loop comprises (i) the pump 2331, (ii) the temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) the channel 2361 of the portion 2356 of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop, from the pump 2331, to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel 2361, and back to the pump 2331.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop.
  • the system 2400 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365, the portion of furniture 2355, and the portion of furniture 2356 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2400 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 and/or the temperature of the portion of furniture 2356 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the first fluid loop of the system 2400 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 9 A.
  • the second fluid loop of the system 2400 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 9 A.
  • the system 2403 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water).
  • the reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid.
  • a container 2315 e.g., a removable or non-removable container
  • the system 2403 comprises two fluid loops that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid loops may or may not be in fluid communication with each other.
  • the reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid loops of the system 2403.
  • the first fluid loop comprises (i) the valve 2370, (ii) the pump 2330, (iii) the temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) the channel 2360 of the portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by the gravitational force) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the valve 2370 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop, from the valve 2370, to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360, and back to the valve 2370.
  • the temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop.
  • the second loop may comprise features that may or may not be identical to the first loop.
  • the second fluid loop comprises (i) the valve 2371, (ii) the pump 2331, (iii) the temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) the channel 2361 of the portion 2356 of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by the gravitational force) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the valve 2371 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.
  • the pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop, from the valve 2371, to the pump 2331, to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel 2361, and back to the valve 2371.
  • the temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop.
  • the system 2403 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and/or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the sensor(s) 2365, the portion of furniture 2355, and the portion of furniture 2356 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the system 2403 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 and/or the temperature of the portion of furniture 2356 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the article of furniture 2350.
  • the first fluid loop of the system 2403 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2302, as illustrated in FIG. 9C.
  • the second fluid loop of the system 2403 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2302, as illustrated in FIG. 9C.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.
  • the method may comprise providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) the portion of the article of furniture capable of holding a fluid, and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of modulating a temperature of the fluid when the fluid is not contained in the reservoir (process 2510).
  • the method may comprise, controlling, by a computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture (process 2520).
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an additional example of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.
  • the method may comprise providing a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second portions of the article of furniture are configured to hold a fluid, and wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid (process 2610).
  • the method may comprise controlling the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture (process 2620).
  • Light sleep comprises stage one and stage two sleep.
  • the technology performs the categorization based on the respiration rate associated with the user, heart rate associated with the user, motion associated with the user, and body temperature associated with the user. Generally, when the user is awake the respiration is erratic. When the user is sleeping, the respiration becomes regular. The transition between being awake and sleeping is quick, and lasts less than 1 minute.
  • the refrigeration system as provided herein may be coupled to a storage unit (e.g., for the respective refrigerant fluid) for a process referred to as “fast cool.”
  • the refrigerant fluid e.g., cooling fluid
  • the storage unit may be designed to hold all of the cooled refrigerant fluid until its negative thermal energy needs to be released in a single burst.
  • the refrigeration system may comprise a water-cooled chiller model, which may be based on a compressor refrigeration system.
  • the low- level noise in operation can be at least or at most about 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB, 5 dB, 6 dB, 7 dB, 8 dB, 9 dB, 10 dB, 15 dB, 20 dB, 25 dB, 30 dB, 35 dB, 40 dB, 45 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB, 70 dB, 80 dB, 90 dB, or 100 dB.
  • the system may be capable of regulating temperature (e.g., cool) of two or more zones of the bed device with a single water chiller (e.g., a single thermoelectric water chiller), e.g., without adding any additional water chiller.
  • Thesystem may effectively manage cooling of both the left and right sides of the bed device, or any sub-zones thereof or any additional zones, by utilizing a distribution mechanism to share a common thermal energy storage (e.g., from a larger capacity thermal energy storage unit such as a large capacity refrigerant fluid storage unit).
  • the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., a container) may be reversibly coupled to the rest of the fluid channel system as provided herein.
  • the thermal energy storage unit may be a separate physical unit, thereby allowing for flexibility in size and/or replacement of the thermal energy storage unit.
  • each zone of two separate zones of the bed device may be operatively coupled to (or may be in fluid communication with) its own thermoelectric water chiller (or its own thermoelectric engine module).
  • the system may limit a thermoelectric engine module in a first zone to about 50% of the total (or maximum) system power, even when the thermoelectric engine module in the other second zone is unused.
  • the system may allow for the first zone to utilize up to about 100% of the total (or maximum) system power when the thermoelectric engine module in the other zone is not in use.
  • the fluid channel system may comprise at least one gravity valve.
  • a gravity valve may utilize the force of gravity to control a flow of fluid within the fluid channel system (e.g., flow from a main reservoir and towards a priming reservoir that are shown in FIG. 21, where the “inlet valve” may be a gravity valve).
  • the gravity valve may allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow.
  • the gravity valve may comprise a flap or gate mechanism that opens when the fluid level rises above a certain point.
  • the gravity valve may operate based on fluid levels and/or may automatically adjust changes in fluid pressure without requiring manual intervention.
  • the fluid channel system may be a water channel system, and a priming reservoir may be utilized as a separate reservoir that is connected to (or in fluid communication with) a pump and a separate main reservoir.
  • the water channel system may further comprise one or more air vent valve. This configuration may allow for efficient removal of air from the water channel system, reducing the time required for air removal from days or hours to just minutes.
  • the system may regulate the pump's ON/OFF status based on a fluid level in the priming reservoir.
  • the priming reservoir may be positioned at an inlet to the pump to ensure the presence of water.
  • the priming reservoir may be physically located beneath the main reservoir, allowing water to drain via gravity from the main reservoir to the priming reservoir (with the main reservoir at the top, the priming reservoir in the middle, and the pump at the bottom).
  • the system may also feature two sides for left and right zones, and there may be a separate valve between the priming and main reservoirs to control a flow of fluid between the priming and main reservoirs.
  • a liquid level sensor may be utilized, which can be placed in the main reservoir.
  • the system may comprise a liquid level sensor in the priming reservoir to prevent the pump from running when the priming reservoir is empty.
  • an environment sensor may be utilized to measure light levels in the room. The light sensor can inform the user about the presence of light.
  • an environment sensor may be utilized within the hub to monitor conditions that can lead to condensation.
  • the sensor for monitoring conditions that can lead to condensation may comprise a capacitive sensor placed on each side of the hub, as one side may be very cold while the other may be warm.
  • the capacitive sensors may be designed to measure humidity and predict the likelihood of condensation based on the dew point, which is the temperature at which condensation forms.
  • an optical sensor may be installed in the priming reservoir to provide further monitoring capabilities.
  • the system may incorporate a gate function between the optical sensor and the electrical condensation sensor, allowing for a comprehensive approach to detecting and managing condensation risks.
  • the system may implement a control limit for the low temperature of bed regulation based on condensation data. This approach aims to prevent water leakage by ensuring that the temperature does not drop to a level that would lead to condensation formation. By continuously monitoring condensation data, the system can adjust the temperature settings accordingly to maintain optimal conditions and prevent potential issues related to water leakage.
  • the system can use a thermal engine and cooling fans to cool and/or heat water as needed before dispersing it through channels.
  • the hub may host the connectivity and processing chips.
  • a water reservoir may have a cylindrical shape where a water source of the system is stored.
  • the tubing and pump system may be utilized to pump water from the reservoir through the hub’s tubing, filling the channels with water.
  • a priming reservoir may be utilized to provide enhanced acoustic and vibrational damping for the hub’s pumps. This design can help minimize noise and vibrations generated during pump operation, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable user experience.
  • the tubing system may be relocated to run along the bottom of the hub to emit less sound. This design change can help minimize noise during operation.
  • the design of the cooling fans may be optimized to enhance their overall sound profile.
  • the optimization of the cooling fan design can comprise adjustments to the spacing between fans to minimize turbulence and noise generation.
  • the rotational precision of the fans may be improved to ensure smoother operation and reduce vibrations.
  • the optimization of the cooling fan design may help bring the overall sound level down to about 30 decibels.
  • the system may fill with water in less than about 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the system can detect how much water is left in the Hub tank and can alert the user when it’s time to refill.
  • Example 6 A non-limiting example of the fluid channel systems and methods thereof is illustrated in Example 6 below.
  • FIG. 16 shows a computer system 1101 that is programmed or otherwise configured to control flow of the fluid throughout various parts of the channel and/or control operation of the temperature regulators as provided herein.
  • the computer system 1101 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device.
  • the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device.
  • the computer system 1101 can be a part of the controller of the system as provided herein.
  • the CPU 1105 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software.
  • the instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1112.
  • the instructions can be directed to the CPU 1105, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 1105 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1105 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.
  • the CPU 1105 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit.
  • a circuit such as an integrated circuit.
  • One or more other components of the system 1101 can be included in the circuit.
  • the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • the storage unit 1115 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs.
  • the storage unit 1115 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs.
  • the computer system 1101 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 1101, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 1101 through an intranet or the Internet.
  • the computer system 1101 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 1132.
  • the computer system 1101 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user.
  • remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants.
  • the user can access the computer system 1101 via the network 1132.
  • the code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime.
  • the code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a precompiled or as-compiled fashion.
  • aspects of the systems and methods provided herein can be embodied in programming.
  • Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium.
  • Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.
  • “Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server.
  • another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links.
  • a machine readable medium such as computer-executable code
  • a tangible storage medium such as computer-executable code
  • Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings.
  • Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform.
  • Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system.
  • Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data.
  • Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.
  • the computer system 1101 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 1135 that comprises a user interface (UI) 1142 for providing, for example, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the channel or the temperature of the article of furniture as provided herein.
  • UI user interface
  • Examples of UI’s include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.
  • Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms.
  • An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 1105.
  • the algorithm can, for example, control an amount of fluid from an upstream channel that is divided into a plurality of sub-channels, or control the respective amounts of fluids from the plurality of sub-channels that are merged into a downstream channel.
  • Example 1 Fluid channel system for regulating temperature of an article of furniture.
  • the fluid channel systems and methods thereof can be utilized to regulate temperature of an article of furniture.
  • FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an example of such fluid channel system.
  • the system can comprise loop channel A for regulating temperature of side A of an article of furniture (e.g., a mattress or a mattress cover) and loop channel B for regulating temperature of side B of the same article of furniture.
  • an article of furniture e.g., a mattress or a mattress cover
  • loop channel B for regulating temperature of side B of the same article of furniture.
  • the fluid channel system can comprise a common reservoir as a source of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water) for both the loop channel and the loop channel B.
  • the common reservoir can be a refillable reservoir, such that a user of the system can refill the refillable reservoir with the fluid as needed.
  • the fluid flow from the refillable reservoir and each of the loop channels A and B can be regulated by a common valve (e.g., inlet valve) or by different valves respectively.
  • a common valve e.g., inlet valve
  • Such valve(s) can promote a one-way fluid flow direction from the refillable reservoir and towards each of the loop channels A and B.
  • Each of the loop channels A and B can comprise an inlet buffer to, e.g., separate each loop channel from the refillable reservoir.
  • the inlet buffer can comprise a volume (e.g., a container) to receive the fluid from the refillable reservoir, contain the fluid, and send the fluid to each loop channel.
  • a volume e.g., a container
  • Each of the loop channels A and B can comprise a pump to control flow (e.g., flow rate, flow volume, etc.) of fluid along each loop channel.
  • Each of the loop channels A and B can comprise a mixing valve (or a dividing valve).
  • the mixing valve can operate as a junction (e.g., a Y-junction) to split the channel into a main loop channel and a side channel.
  • the side channel stemming from the mixing valve can be fluidically coupled to a reservoir.
  • Both side channels of the loop channels A and B can be in fluid communication with a common thermal reservoir (e.g., water chiller) configured to contain pre-cooled fluid (e.g., to a predetermined cooling temperature) via the respective side channel.
  • the thermal reservoir can comprise or can be coupled to a temperature cooling unit configured to regulate temperature of the fluid in the thermal reservoir to a pre-cooling temperature and/or maintain the fluid in the thermal reservoir at the pre-cooling temperature.
  • the temperature cooling unit can comprise a refrigeration system comprising a plurality of components fluidically coupled to one another via a refrigerant, including an evaporator disposed on or within a container of the thermal reservoir for holding the pre-cooled fluid, compressor, condenser, and an expansion valve (which is also then fluidically coupled to the evaporator).
  • a refrigerant including an evaporator disposed on or within a container of the thermal reservoir for holding the pre-cooled fluid, compressor, condenser, and an expansion valve (which is also then fluidically coupled to the evaporator).
  • the main loop channel stemming from the mixing valve can be operatively coupled to a temperature heating unit (e.g., a resistive heater).
  • the temperature heating unit can be disposed adjacent to or coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, thereby to increase temperature fluid flowing through the main loop channel.
  • the loop channel can comprise a controller configured to (i) monitor temperature of the fluid passing by the controller, (ii) direct operation of the temperature cooling unit and temperature heating unit of the loop channel, (iii) direct the mixing valve to send a designated amount of fluid to the side channel (e.g., to the thermal reservoir comprising the temperature cooling unit) and a designated amount of fluid to the main loop channel (e.g., to the temperature heating unit), (iv) receive fluids (e.g., temperature controlled or not) from the side channel and/or the main loop channel, and/or (v) direct the resulting fluids (e.g., heated fluid alone from the main loop channel, cold fluid alone from the side channel, and/or a mixture thereof) to the respective side (e.g., side A or side B) of the article of furniture.
  • a controller configured to (i) monitor temperature of the fluid passing by the controller, (ii) direct operation of the temperature cooling unit and temperature heating unit of the loop channel, (iii) direct the mixing valve to send a designated
  • the loop channel can direct the fluid to flow towards the respective side of the article of furniture, then back (and away) from the article of furniture towards toe inlet buffer, thereby forming a closed-loop channel to circulate the fluid for regulating temperature of each side of the article of furniture.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates the configuration of the system according to some embodiments, wherein the system can comprise two sets of inlet buffers 2270/2275, pumps 2271/2276, mixing valves 2272/2277, resistive heaters 2273/2278, and thermostats 2274/2279.
  • the first set may receive fluid from cover side A into a first inlet buffer 2270, while the second set can receive fluid from cover side B into a second inlet buffer 2275.
  • a user refillable reservoir 2230 can be connected to an inlet valve 2265, which may provide fluid to both the first and second buffers 2270/2275 as required.
  • the fluid in each set can enter the inlet buffer 2270/2275, then flow to the pump 2271/2276, followed by the mixing valve 2272/2277, resistive heater 2273/2278, and thermostat 2274/2279, before being circulated back to the cover on each side.
  • a water chiller 2235 also called a common thermal reservoir, can receive the fluids from the mixing valve 2272/2277 in each set.
  • the water chiller 2235 can comprise a cold reservoir 2260 (e.g., comprising a cold material, such as cold liquid or ice), an evaporator 2255, a compressor 2250, a condenser 2240, and an expansion valve 2245.
  • the common thermal reservoir can comprise a cold reservoir 2260 (e.g., comprising a cold material, such as cold liquid or ice), and each loop can comprise a temperature heating unit coupled to the loop.
  • the common thermal reservoir 2260 can comprise a hot reservoir (e.g., comprising a hot material, such as heated liquid or vapor), and each loop can comprise a temperature cooling unit coupled to the loop.
  • the common thermal reservoir can comprise a cold reservoir and a hot reservoir, and each loop may or may not need to have its own additional temperature regulator (e.g., heating unit and/or cooling unit) depending on the amount of thermal storage that is stored in the common thermal reservoir or that is needed.
  • the fluid channel systems can comprise three or more loop channels (e.g., at least or at most about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 loop channels) that are in thermal communication with a common cold reservoir (e.g., cold reservoir and/or hot reservoir as provided herein).
  • the fluid can be circulated between the evaporator 2255, compressor 2240, condenser 2250, and expansion valve 2245 until it reaches the target temperature, after which it can be redirected to the thermostat 2274/2279 in each set and then recirculated back to the cover on each side.
  • the waste heat can be dissipated out of the water chiller from the condenser.
  • a fluid channel system can comprise an article of furniture and a channel for directing flow of temperature regulated fluid through at least a portion of the article of furniture (e.g., a bed device), thereby regulating temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture.
  • the liquid in the channel may need to be cooled throughout the use of the article of furniture (e.g., throughout the night).
  • a temperature regulator e.g., electrical temperature regulator such as a Peltier device
  • the system can comprise a channel for directing flow of a first fluid through the channel.
  • the system can comprise a temperature regulator configured to at least cool the first fluid while the first fluid is flowing through the channel.
  • a portion of the channel can be disposed in proximity to (or adjacent to) a thermal energy storage module comprising a second fluid.
  • the temperature regulator can cool the first fluid, and the channel can direct flow of the cooled first fluid (e.g., cold water) towards the portion of the channel, such that a thermal exchange can occur between the cooled first fluid in the portion of the channel and the second fluid in the thermal energy storage module, thereby cooling the second fluid (e.g., allowing the second fluid to turn into ice).
  • the temperature regulator can sit idle (e.g., not operational), and the first fluid in the channel can be higher than the temperature of the second fluid or ice thereof in the thermal energy storage module.
  • the channel can comprise a first temperature regulator configured to regulate (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the first fluid in the channel
  • the thermal energy storage module can comprise a second temperature regulator configured to regulate the temperature of the second fluid in the thermal energy storage module (e.g., form ice in the thermal energy storage module).
  • the second temperature regulator can be onboarding the thermal energy storage module, e.g., to allow faster “charging” during the ice formation step or allow the thermal energy storage module to function semi- independently or substantially independently from the channel and/or from the first temperature regulator.
  • the thermal energy storage module can store thermal energy to provide heating energy for an entire use of the article of furniture (e.g., an entire night’s use of a bed device).
  • FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of the fluid channel system as described herein. Solid line arrows are drawn to illustrate channels for directing flow of the fluid and the respective direction of flow of the fluid through the channels.
  • the fluid channel system can comprise a main control unit 310.
  • the main control unit 310 can comprise one or more fluidic components (e.g., one or more pumps) to control fluid flow throughout the channel.
  • the main control unit can comprise a reservoir for providing an amount of fluid sufficient to flow and cycle throughout the channel (e.g., channel loop) from the main control unit 310, towards the article of furniture, and back to the main control unit 310.
  • the fluid channel system can comprise a controller 350 configured to (i) monitor temperature of the fluid flowing through the system and (ii) control operation of temperature regulators and/or flow of the fluid towards different channels (e.g., to the article of furniture or to the thermal energy storage unit).
  • the controller 350 can be in the thermal energy storage unit 320, in the main control unit 310, or outside of both.
  • the fluid channel system can comprise the thermal energy storage unit 320 disposed adjacent to the main control unit 310.
  • the thermal energy storage unit 320 can comprise a storage tank 340 comprising a material (e.g., a phase change material such as water or ice thereof) configured to be activated to store thermal energy, e.g., during daytime.
  • the fluid channel can comprise a plurality of sub-channels configured to permit the fluid to flow adjacent to the storage tank 340, to permit heat exchange between the material in the storage tank 340 and the fluid flowing through the sub-channels.
  • the sub-channels can be disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the storage tank 340 (e.g., as one or more loops on the external surface of the storage tank 340) and/or adjacent to an inner surface of the storage tank 340.
  • the thermal energy storage unit 320 can comprise a mixing valve 330-1 that can be controlled (e.g., via the controller 350) to (i) direct flow of the fluid from the main control unit 310 directly towards the article of furniture (see arrow 330a) or (ii) direct the fluid from the main control unit 310 to flow adjacent to the storage tank 340 and then towards the article of furniture (see arrows 330b and 330x).
  • the thermal energy storage unit 320 can comprise a mixing valve 330-2 that can be controlled (e.g., via the controller 350) to (i) direct flow of the fluid from the article of furniture directly towards the main control unit 310 (see arrow 330c) or (ii) direct the fluid from the article of furniture to flow adjacent to the storage tank 340 and then towards the article of furniture (see arrows 330d and 33 Ox).
  • a mixing valve 330-2 can be controlled (e.g., via the controller 350) to (i) direct flow of the fluid from the article of furniture directly towards the main control unit 310 (see arrow 330c) or (ii) direct the fluid from the article of furniture to flow adjacent to the storage tank 340 and then towards the article of furniture (see arrows 330d and 33 Ox).
  • FIG. 19 illustrates the configuration of the system according to some embodiments wherein the system can comprise a first section and a second section, similar to FIG. 18 but with a different fluid flow path.
  • the fluid from the cover can enter the water block first.
  • the fluid can flow through the water block 1810 in the first section, where it can be cooled before proceeding to the next components.
  • the fluid can then flow into a priming reservoir that is coupled with a pump 1805.
  • This pump can receive the fluid and be responsible for circulating it through the system. Once the fluid has been pumped, it can be redirected back to the cover, completing the cycle.
  • This pump can be responsible for circulating the fluid through the system. After the fluid has been pumped, it can be redirected back to the cover, completing the cycle.
  • the second section can also follow a similar configuration, where the fluid can enter a priming reservoir 1825 from the cover, flow into a pump, and then be redirected back to the cover.
  • Both the first and second sections can include a set of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) 1815/1835 that are operationally coupled to a heatsink 1820.
  • the TECs can be utilized to manage heat dissipation effectively, ensuring optimal thermal performance throughout the system.
  • the fluid in each set can enter the inlet buffer 2270/2275, then flow to the pump 2271/2276, followed by the mixing valve 2272/2277, resistive heater, 2273/2278 and thermostat 2274/2279, before being circulated back to the cover on each side.
  • a water chiller 2367 can receive the fluids from the mixing valve 2272/2277 in each set .
  • the water chiller 2367 can comprise a cold reservoir 2371, a thermal interface 2370 connected to one side of the cold reservoir 2371, a thermoelectric module 2369 connected to one side of the thermal interface 2370, and a heatsink 2368 connected to one side of the thermoelectric module 2369.
  • the fluid can enter the cold reservoir 2371 from the mixing valve 2272/2277, where it can be cooled by the thermoelectric module 2369. Once the fluid reaches the desired temperature, it can be redirected to the thermostat 2274/2279 in each set and then recirculated back to the cover on each side.
  • the waste heat generated by the thermoelectric module can be dissipated out of the water chiller 2367 through the heatsink 2368.
  • the fluid in each set can enter the inlet buffer 2270/2275/2444, then flow to the pump 2271/2276/2446, followed by the mixing valve 2272/2277/2448, resistive heater 2273/2278/2450, and thermostat 2274/2279/2452, before being circulated back to the cover for each zone.
  • a water chiller 2367 can receive the fluids from the mixing valve 2272/2277/2448 in each set.
  • the water chiller 2367 can comprise a cold reservoir 2371, a thermal interface 2370 connected to one side of the cold reservoir 2371, a thermoelectric module 2369 connected to one side of the thermal interface 2370, and a heatsink 2368 connected to one side of the thermoelectric module 2369.
  • FIG. 25 illustrates the configuration of the system according to some embodiments, wherein the system can comprise two sets of inlet buffers 2270/2275, pumps 2271/2276, heat exchangers 2558/2568, and thermostats 2274/2279.
  • the first set may receive fluid from cover side A into a first inlet buffer 2270, while the second set can receive fluid from cover side B into a second inlet buffer 2275.
  • a user refillable reservoir 2230 can be connected to an inlet valve 2265, which may provide fluid to both the first and second inlet buffers 2270/2275 as required.
  • the fluid in each set can enter the inlet buffer 2270/2275, then flow to the pump 2271/2276, followed by the heat exchanger 2558/2568, and thermostat 2274/2279, before being circulated back to the cover on each side.
  • Each heat exchanger 2558/2568 can be connected to a thermoelectric module 2369, and both thermoelectric modules 2369 can be connected to a shared heatsink 2564, with each thermoelectric module 2369 connected to alternative sides of the heatsink 2564.
  • Each thermoelectric module 2369 can be configured to operate independently of the other thermoelectric module 2369.
  • the waste heat generated by the thermoelectric modules 2562/2572 can be dissipated from the heatsink 2564.
  • the fluid channel system as described in Example 1 can be configured (or modified), such that the thermal energy storage module can be utilized as a reservoir for providing both the first fluid and the second fluid.
  • the first fluid can be initially drawn out from the reservoir to direct the first fluid to flow or be disposed within the channel.
  • the remaining second fluid can be cooled to form ice, and the amount of the ice can be sufficient to provide at least partial (e.g., less than 100%, such as about 25%) amount of the energy required for the use of the article of furniture (e.g., an entire night’s use).
  • a portion of the channel e.g., a side channel
  • the reservoir comprising the ice can be disposed in proximity to (or adjacent) to the reservoir comprising the ice, such that the heat transfer between the first liquid in the portion of the channel and the ice in the reservoir (e.g., without directly contacting one another) can partly cool the first fluid in the portion of the channel.
  • the first fluid can further be cooled by the temperature regulator that is coupled to the portion or a different portion of the channel, such that the combined power (e.g., thermal energy transfer) from the onboard storage of ice in the reservoir and from the temperature regulator can be used to (i) deliver more or faster cooling of the first liquid and/or (ii) deliver the same amount of cooling with less noise and/or waste heat during the use of the article of furniture (e.g., night time), as compared to a control system without use of the thermal energy storage module.
  • the combined power e.g., thermal energy transfer
  • the temperature regulator can cool the second liquid in the reservoir.
  • the temperature regulator can cool the first fluid in the channel, in addition to cooling of the first fluid via heat transfer to the cooled second liquid (or ice) in the reservoir.
  • the system can comprise one or more valves to control flow of the fluids and cool different parts of the system.
  • the channel can comprise a temperature heating unit to increase temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing through the channel.
  • the system as described herein can improve overall energy efficiency during use, e.g., by reducing the peak power load overnight.
  • the reservoir can store thermal energy to provide heating energy for an entire use of the article of furniture (e.g., an entire night’s use of a bed device).
  • the remaining second fluid in the reservoir can be heated (e.g., to heated liquid or vapor) to store heating energy that can be used (e.g., via heat transfer as provided herein) to increase the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the channel.
  • the channel can comprise a temperature cooling unit to increase temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing through the channel.
  • the thermal energy stored in the thermal energy storage module can be used to deliver instant and/or on-demand cooling.
  • the system can reduce the time required to lower the temperature of the liquid circulating in the channel, as compared to the control system that lacks the thermal energy storage module.
  • the peak power of the thermal energy storage module can be comparable to or exceed that of a temperature regulator such as a thermoelectric device.
  • the thermal energy storage module can be slowly charged (e.g., slowly cooled), yet the stored energy in the thermal energy storage module can be utilized or dissipated at a higher rate (e.g., on demand), e.g., to allow cooling the liquid in the channel (thereby cooling the article of furniture) in just the time it may take for the liquid to circulate through the channel (e.g., between about 1 and about 4 minutes).
  • Example 5 Thermal energy storage for a bed device
  • the article of furniture can comprise a plurality of zones (or sides).
  • the article of furniture can be a mattress or a cover thereof comprising a
  • I l l plurality of zones e.g., a plurality of sides, such as a left side and a right side).
  • a control system lacking the thermal energy storage module as provided herein may need to deliver about 50 watts (W) of cooling power per each zone, e.g., at maximum cooling setting. For two zones, such control system may need to deliver about 100 W of cooling power (e.g., about 360 kilojoules per hour) to the bed device, e.g., throughout a single night’s use.
  • W watts
  • the thermal energy storage module (or reservoir) can be configured to hold about 2 liters of water, which can provide about 25% of maximum cooling power needed for a night time’s use when made in to ice.
  • the system of the present disclosure can comprise a main housing (e.g., a hub) comprising one or more components (e.g., pumps, valves, fluid channels, temperature control device, reservoir, etc.) as provided herein that are necessary to (i) contain the fluid (e.g., in a reservoir disposed within the main housing), (ii) control the temperature of the fluid (e.g., while still within the main housing such as inside or outside of the reservoir) such as via one or more temperature control devices, (iii) direct flow of the temperature controlled fluid (e.g., via one or more pumps or valves) to at least a portion of the article of furniture to control temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture.
  • a main housing e.g., a hub
  • components e.g., pumps, valves, fluid channels, temperature control device, reservoir, etc.
  • the fluid can flow from the article or furniture and back to the main housing for re-temperature adjustment and re-circulation back to the article of furniture.
  • the system can comprise one or more sensors on or inside the main housing, e.g., to enhance operation of fluid temperature adjustment, thereby enhancing operation of temperature adjustment of the article of furniture.
  • a fluid e.g., a liquid, such as water.
  • the one or more sensors can comprise a fluid detection sensor configured to detect presence or absence of the fluid.
  • the fluid detection sensor can comprise a leak detection sensor configured to sense presence or absence of the fluid, e.g., at or adjacent to the leak detection sensor.
  • such sensor can be disposed on or adjacent to a component of the system that is disposed within the main housing (e.g., an inner surface of the main housing, such as the inner bottom surface) to detect water leakage and collection at the bottom of the main housing.
  • the one or more sensors can comprise a condensation sensor configured to detect condensation of the fluid.
  • the condensation sensor can be disposed on or adjacent to the fluid flow channels (e.g., tubes) to detect condensation around the fluid flow channels (e.g., within the housing or within the article of furniture).
  • the one or more sensors can comprise a liquid level sensor operatively coupled to the reservoir, e.g., to measure how much liquid is in the reservoir and/or detect movement/change of water level over time. For example, unexpected change of liquid level (e.g., water level) in the reservoir can be detected as an indication of liquid leak outside of the reservoir.
  • a liquid level sensor operatively coupled to the reservoir, e.g., to measure how much liquid is in the reservoir and/or detect movement/change of water level over time. For example, unexpected change of liquid level (e.g., water level) in the reservoir can be detected as an indication of liquid leak outside of the reservoir.
  • the one or more sensors can comprise an environment sensor configured to detect environment condition (e.g., temperature, light, etc.) of the environment surrounding the main housing.
  • the environment sensor can comprise an ambient light sensor configured to detect ambient light levels around the main housing.
  • Such sensor data can be analyzed to determine brightness, e.g., whether the room light is on or off.
  • the environment sensor can be disposed at an outer surface of the main housing.
  • the system can comprise a fluid block that is (i) in fluid communication with the reservoir to contain at least a portion of the fluid that is drawn out of the reservoir and (ii) in thermal communication with one or more temperature control devices (e.g., a thermoelectric engine such as a Peltier device), such that the fluid in the fluid block can be temperature regulated.
  • the fluid block can be smaller in size than the reservoir.
  • the fluid block can be part of the fluid channel or a separate small container.
  • the one or more sensors can comprise a fluid detection sensor and/or a fluid temperature sensor that is coupled to the fluid block to diagnosis any issues related to temperature regulation of the fluid in the fluid block.
  • the reservoir can be removeable from the main housing, e.g., for the user to fill back the fluid.
  • the housing can further comprise one or more priming reservoirs (e.g., smaller than the removable reservoir) to collect and contain a fraction of the fluid from the removeable reservoir.
  • the priming reservoir(s) can be part of the circulation loop of the fluid within the main housing and between the main housing and the article of furniture, e.g., to exclude them removeable reservoir and avoid bubble generation or contamination in the circulation loop.
  • the one or more sensors of the system can comprise a fluid detection sensor as provided herein in the priming reservoir(s), e.g., to confirm that there is fluid in the priming reservoir(s) and make priming of the fluid more efficient.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates the configuration of the system according to some embodiments, comprising two zones, designated as zone A and zone B.
  • the system features a user (main) reservoir 2150 for containing a fluid, such as coolant or water.
  • a fluid such as coolant or water.
  • the fluid level can be monitored by a level sensor 2145 that is operationally attached to the user reservoir 2150.
  • This sensor can measure the fluid level and communicate with a computer system, notifying the user about the fluid level and when a refill may be necessary. Additionally, the fluid level sensor can signal the computer system to halt or slow down the system's functions when the fluid level falls below a certain threshold.
  • the liquid from the user reservoir can flow to an inlet valve 2160 located beneath the reservoir, utilizing gravitational force for efficient fluid movement.
  • the inlet valve 2160 can be connected to a priming reservoir 2140 dedicated to zone A and another priming reservoir 2165 dedicated to zone B, wherein the priming reservoirs 2140/2165 for zone A and zone B may not be connected to each other.
  • the inlet valve 2160 may connect the user reservoir 2150 to each priming reservoir 2140/2165 in zone A and zone B.
  • the function of the priming reservoirs 2140/2165 is to remove air from the fluid circulation, which can be beneficial for the efficiency of fluid pumping and heat transfer.
  • Both priming reservoirs 2140/2165 can be connected to an air vent valve 2155 for releasing the removed air from the circulation.
  • a fluid level sensor and a condensation sensor 2135/2170 can be connected to each priming reservoir in zone A and zone B separately.
  • Each priming reservoir 2140/2165 in zone A and zone B can be connected to a pump 2130/2175, with each pump 2130/2175 located beneath the respective priming reservoir 2140/2165 for each zone.
  • the pumps 2130/2175 for zone A and zone B may not be connected and can operate independently.
  • the air and fluid (e.g., water) from each zone can enter the priming reservoir 2140/2165 dedicated to that zone. After removing air, the fluid can be circulated back to each zone from the pump dedicated to that zone.
  • a leak sensor 2180 can be installed at the lowest level of the system, adjacent a bottom inner surface, positioned below the location of the pumps 2130/2175, to monitor and detect any fluid leaks from the components, connectors, and tubing or channels.
  • FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 illustrate a 3D representation of the hub 2650/2750 and its internal components according to some embodiments.
  • the hub 2650/2750 can feature a base that provides structural support and stability. It may include attachments designed to conceal the internal components from external view.
  • the hub 2650/2750 may comprise a heatsink that effectively dissipates heat generated by internal elements, as well as a fan that facilitates airflow through the hub 2650/2750. The fan can draw air into the hub 2650/2750, directing it over the heatsink to absorb heat before the air exits the hub 2650/2750.
  • FIG. 28 illustrates a view of a control application 2850 installed on a smart device according to some embodiments.
  • the control application 2850 can be in communication with a computer system that monitors and controls the functions of the hub.
  • the control application 2850 can track the filling of the hub, providing real-time updates to the user regarding the status of the filling system. It may inform the user when the hub is being filled, the current filling level, and when the hub is ready to conduct the defined functions.
  • the control application 2850 can offer various features, such as notifications, alerts, and settings adjustments, allowing users to customize their experience and ensure optimal operation of the system.
  • Systems and methods of the present disclosure may be combined with or modified by additional systems comprising an article of furniture (e.g., a bed device) and methods of use thereof.
  • an article of furniture e.g., a bed device
  • systems and methods of detecting a biological signal or a condition (e.g., a sleep disorder) of a user of an article of furniture, regulating a temperature or configuration of an article of furniture, regulating a biological signal or condition (e.g., a sleep disorder) of the user on an article of furniture, regulating operation of other devices operatively coupled to the article of furniture are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0351556 (“BED DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHODS”), U.S. Patent Publication No.
  • 2016/0128488 (“APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HEATING OR COOLING A BED BASED ON HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SIGNALS”), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0135882 (“ADJUSTABLE BEDFRAME AND OPERATING METHODS FOR HEALTH MONITORING”), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0135632 (“DETECTING SLEEPING DISORDERS”), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0405998 (“SLEEP POD”), and U.S. Patent Publication No.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Control Of Temperature (AREA)

Abstract

Divers aspects de la présente divulgation concernent des systèmes et des procédés pour la régulation d'une température d'un article de mobilier. Dans certains modes de réalisation, les systèmes et les procédés utilisent un fluide (par ex., un liquide) et un ou plusieurs régulateurs de température du fluide pour réguler la température d'une partie de l'article de mobilier.
PCT/US2025/016924 2024-02-23 2025-02-21 Systèmes et procédés pour la commande et la régulation d'une température d'un article de mobilier Pending WO2025179231A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463557260P 2024-02-23 2024-02-23
US202463557265P 2024-02-23 2024-02-23
US63/557,260 2024-02-23
US63/557,265 2024-02-23
US202463644448P 2024-05-08 2024-05-08
US63/644,448 2024-05-08

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2793007A1 (fr) * 1999-04-30 2000-11-03 Thierry Ancel Dispositif de refroidissement et/ou de rechauffement de mini futs hermetiques de biere ou autre produit liquide ou semi-liquide
US20150359347A1 (en) * 2014-06-17 2015-12-17 Innocor, Inc, Zoned temperature regulating bedding product and method of forming same
US20160136385A1 (en) * 2014-11-14 2016-05-19 Ruggero Scorcioni System and method for thermally conditioning a sleep environment and managing skin temperature of a user
KR101733090B1 (ko) * 2015-06-24 2017-05-08 (주) 에타 물공급유닛과 이를 이용한 냉온수매트
US20220304486A1 (en) * 2021-03-26 2022-09-29 Sleepme Inc. Multi-zone temperature modulation system for bed or blanket

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2793007A1 (fr) * 1999-04-30 2000-11-03 Thierry Ancel Dispositif de refroidissement et/ou de rechauffement de mini futs hermetiques de biere ou autre produit liquide ou semi-liquide
US20150359347A1 (en) * 2014-06-17 2015-12-17 Innocor, Inc, Zoned temperature regulating bedding product and method of forming same
US20160136385A1 (en) * 2014-11-14 2016-05-19 Ruggero Scorcioni System and method for thermally conditioning a sleep environment and managing skin temperature of a user
KR101733090B1 (ko) * 2015-06-24 2017-05-08 (주) 에타 물공급유닛과 이를 이용한 냉온수매트
US20220304486A1 (en) * 2021-03-26 2022-09-29 Sleepme Inc. Multi-zone temperature modulation system for bed or blanket

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